British workers are the least likely in Europe to complain about the effect of their job on their health, dispelling the myth that they are quick to throw a “sickie”, according to a new report today.

Workers in this country are well below the European average for taking time off because of a work-related illness, a study showed.  But the research, published by the Dublin Foundation, also revealed that British employees were more likely to be subjected to threats and violence at work than any other European country except Holland.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “This report is a mixed bag for British workers. Worryingly, the high levels of workplace violence reflect the culture within Britain where some people think it is acceptable to threaten staff, in particular those dealing with the public such as paramedics, transport workers and shop staff.

“At the same time it is clear that the image that employers give of British workers who are happy to blame every twinge on their work and use illnesses such as stress and back pain as an excuse for taking time off work, bears no resemblance to reality.”