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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Business
Roisin O'Connor

Calling in sick: Managers share 14 ridiculous excuses by employees for missing a day at work

We've all pulled a sickie at least once – whether to go an event, keep an appointment, or simply avoid a day at work -  and there’s no point in pretending otherwise, but some of us clearly need to work on our excuses.

A survey of 2,326 hiring managers, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, found they suspected 38 per cent of employees had fibbed while calling in sick over the last 12 months.

They shared the best examples - and while we stress that these are not proven lies, they certainly sound deeply suspicious. 

1) "I broke my arm reaching to grab a falling sandwich"

2) "I got stuck under the bed"

3) "The universe told me to take a day off"

National Geographic/Getty

4) "My wife found out I was cheating, so I had to spend the day getting my belongings from the dumpster"

5) "My grandmother poisoned me with ham"

6) "I poked myself in the eye while I was combing my hair"

7) "My wife put all my underwear in the washer"

8) "The meal I cooked for a department potluck didn’t go very well"

9) "My doctor told me I need more vitamin D so I’m going to the beach"

10) "My cat got stuck inside my car dashboard"

11) "I drank a bottle of mouthwash thinking it was Powerade and got sick"

12) "A llama kicked me and broke my leg"

13) "My girlfriend threw a pan of hot grits in my face"

14) "My parakeet had the flu and needed to be taken care of"

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