Millions of workers are using swine flu as an excuse to get time off work, according to a new study.

More than one in 20 employees admitted they have pulled a cheeky sickie by claiming to be showing symptoms of the disease since the outbreak has become more widespread.

And another 16 per cent would consider using it as a reason for getting some extra time off work.

Thirteen per cent even said that if a colleague phoned in complaining of suffering from the disease, they would then follow suit and claim have caught it too, even though they felt completely healthy.

The results come after experts predicted the swine flu outbreak could cost the UK economy around £50 BILLION due to workers needing time off to recover.

A spokesman for ExpressChemist.co.uk, which carried out the research, said: ‘’The impact of swine flu has been well documented recently, and almost everyone is now aware of the bug.

‘’But it’s worrying to think that many are using it as an excuse to get some time off work when they are actually fit and healthy.

"We don’t yet know what the impact of swine flu will be, but people faking it will only add unnecessary burden to our services.

‘’Also, if you do pretend to have the illness, it could prove difficult persuading your boss you need some more time off if you really do catch it.’’

The study of 5,000 workers revealed that almost half already know someone who has been hit by the bug.

And almost a quarter have even had a confirmed case in their workplace, while another 38 per cent say there is someone who has showed signs but not yet been diagnosed.

But with one in ten saying they are extremely worried about the spread of the disease, 18 per cent would avoid going into work if a colleague was suffering from the flu, just in case they caught it.

More than half also admit they are washing their hands more now than they did before the outbreak to avoid being hit.

A spokesman for ExpressChemist.co.uk added: ‘’Even though we are an online pharmacy, we’re not cashing in on the panic.

‘’In particular, Tamiflu can have side-effects, so we advise against taking it unnecessarily. And there is no proven evidence that face masks are effective.

‘’We just recommend basic hygiene and looking after your general health."