Heatwave absences could cost UK plc £187m a day

This week's heatwave could cost the economy £187m a day, experts have warned.

With temperatures in the south east forecast to hit 33C this week, hundreds of thousands of workers are expected to call in sick as they take advantage of the first heatwave since 2006.

The independent consultancy Centre for Economics and Business Research said that staff faking illness to enjoy the sunshine could cost £15m in absence costs, while the heat could lead to £162m worth of lost productivity. They also predicted a further £4m would be lost through staff being late for work due to the heat, and that consumer spending would fall by £6m.

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