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Workers who dislike their jobs are three times more likely to call in sick, a report reveals today.

Absenteeism costs the UK economy £13.4bn as disgruntled employees are more likely to bunk off more than six days a year.

And they are also four times more likely to leave their workplaces than engaged employees.

The problem is worse for workers who have moved down the labour market into low-wage, low-skilled jobs and are unable to make the best use of their skills.

A report today by The Work Foundation, an independent think-tank says small investments in employee engagement for low wage, low-skilled workers, such as those working in call centres, could see a £49bn boost for the economy.

Recent studies show that 80% of the 587,000 new jobs created in the UK are primarily in low wage work and the UK is less productive than other developed countries such as Germany, France, the USA and Spain.

Moves to improve employee engagement, such as taking part in business development and career progression, could increase company profits by £2,700 per employee, per year.

Only 39% of employees feel engaged in their jobs, so these findings could significantly boost UK productivity and improve staff retention in low wage, low skilled work.

Professor Stephen Bevan, director at The Work Foundation said: “We know that underemployment has increased by one million since the start of the downturn, and the labour market for low wage, low skilled work is likely to continue growing.

“Contact centre work especially has one of the highest labour turnover rates in the UK, and sick leave for this sector alone costs the UK economy £626m per year. These roles often have standardised work methods and lack of development opportunities.

“Many workers who have moved into this sector do not view their employment as a career option. Creating a career culture in this sector, by implementing training and development or shared leadership for problem solving, could have a real impact on productivity.”