More than 220 calls were made to employment law experts by workers asking for compassionate leave following the news that Zayn Malik had quit One Direction.

The singer’s announcement is said to have catalysed hundreds of requests made to the Employer Advice Service of Manchester-based company Peninsula.

Employment law director Alan Price said “it was a situation you just couldn’t make up”. “While I sympathise with One Direction fans, I hardly think this qualified as compassionate leave,” Price told the Manchester Evening News.

“If employees feel strongly about the issue then request that they take days off as a holiday, but compassionate leave is what you allow if a close relative dies, unless the employer is unaware of family ties with Zayn Malik then I hardly think that this qualifies.

“Abusing compassionate leave is inconsiderate to fellow colleagues who may genuinely need the time off.”

He went on to draw comparisons between the event and that of the big parting of ways of Robbie Williams from Take That in 1996, where they again experienced a huge spike in calls from concerned bosses.

In pictures: Zayn Malik Show all 15 1 /15 In pictures: Zayn Malik In pictures: Zayn Malik 2010 Zayn performed Mario's 'Let Me Love You' in his audition in front of the X Factor judges In pictures: Zayn Malik 2010 December 2010: Zayn (second right) and his bandmates ahead of the X Factor final Getty Images In pictures: Zayn Malik 2011 Zayn performing in Germany on tour with the band's first album, 'Up All Night' REX In pictures: Zayn Malik 2011 Zayn Malik made it his New Year's resolution to quit smoking to improve his voice after being criticised by One Direction's management team REX In pictures: Zayn Malik 2012 February 2012: One Direction pick up the British Single award for their song featuring Rizzle Kicks 'What Makes You Beautiful', at the Brits Getty Images In pictures: Zayn Malik 2012 The band perform on NBC's 'Today' show as they look to crack America Getty Images In pictures: Zayn Malik 2013 Zayn getting inked in Weymouth. The singer likes "getting tattoos and loves the whole culture behind them" Rex In pictures: Zayn Malik 2013 August 2013: Zayn gets engaged to Perrie Edwards, a singer with the group Little Mix Rex Features In pictures: Zayn Malik 2013 Zayn signing promotional material at Alexandra Palace following the release of One Direction's book 'Where We Are' REX In pictures: Zayn Malik 2013 Zayn Malik and Harry Styles from One Direction attend the 'One Direction This Is Us' world premiere at the Empire Leicester Square Getty Images In pictures: Zayn Malik 2014 February 2014: One Direction win for British Video and Global Success at the Brit awards Getty Images In pictures: Zayn Malik 2014 May 2014: a video of Zayn Malik and his fellow bandmate Louis Tomlinson smoking a “suspicious-looking cigarette” was leaked online Rex In pictures: Zayn Malik 2015 19 March 2015: Zayn and bandmate Louis Tomlinson are told to post bonds of $5,000 each before they are allowed to take to the stage for a scheduled One Direction performance in Manila Getty Images In pictures: Zayn Malik 2015 20 March 2015: Zayn flies home from One Direction's World Tour due to stress Getty Images In pictures: Zayn Malik 2015 25 March 2015: Zayn becomes the first member to leave One Direction. 'I have to do what feels right in my heart,' he says Getty Images

“It’s worth noting that the dismissal of Jeremy Clarkson has not led to calls,” he concluded.

Malik released an official statement about his departure on Wednesday. It read: “My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.

“I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”