Busy working mothers are ignoring flu symptoms to continue working.

According to a survey of 3,000 employees by Sambucol, working mums are the least likely group to take a sick day, choosing to soldier on whatever the state of their health.

Serene Foster, immunologist and herbalist, said: "With so many people relying on them it's no wonder so many mums feel they cannot afford to be ill. When you start to feel run down, it's your body's way of telling you to take it easy, so not taking a day off when you need to may mean you'll feel under the weather for longer."

Customer service staff, electronics workers, scientists, social services staff and bank staff are most likely to pull a sickie, the survey also found.