According to two recent studies, the annual cost of workplace absence in the U.K. has risen to 10.5 billion pounds, with 500 people 41 employment every week because of work-related injury or illness. Ill health is now the main 42 of joblessness in the U.K., with repetitive strain injury, back strain, and stress the three top reasons for absence. One study found that employees took an average of 7.8 days off work through sickness last year, a 43 from 8.5 days the previous year. "Absence is a huge cost to business—the worst performing firms have twice the absence rates of the best ones," said one research unit. Many companies believe 44 to 15% of absences are not genuine. Overindulging in alcohol is the main reason for pulling a sickie, one survey has found. A third of British 45 would call in sick after a drunken night. But more than half said they would think again if their pay was cut.