Business & Money

Benylin advert sparks debate over sick days

A TV advert for cold and flu relief aid, Benylin, has hit the headlines recently for apparently condoning sick days, urging viewers to "take a Benylin day".

The Federation of Small Businesses has blasted the campaign for Benylin Cold & Flu Capsules as it could encourage thousands to take time off for minor ailments.

This would effectively cost firms millions as they struggle with the effects of the credit crunch.

One day in January saw 2.4 million phone in sick as they recovered from festive indulgences, were put off by the hostile weather or had genuinely developed an illness.

The FSB has referred the commercial to the advertising watchdog. Benalyn's website is also taking some of the flak thanks to its features on how to call in sick depending upon what kind of boss you have, as well as its links to DVD reviews to watch while in bed.

Of the advert, FSB spokesman Stephen Alambritis said: "It talks about people taking a Benylin day as other people talk about taking a 'duvet day'.

"These terms make a mockery of how serious it is not to turn up to work. If people have real flu then of course they should take the day off, but if it is just a cold then they should not."

Benylin have hit back saying that the decision to nurse a cold better by getting some bed rest is endorsed by healthcare professionals.

Making the call How to make your sick day believable.

• "I went to donate blood and they took too much. I have to stay in bed to recover."
• "I accidentally flushed my keys down the loo."
• "I thought it was a bank holiday."
• "The ghosts in my house kept me up all night."
• "I was walking my dog and slipped on a toad in my driveway and hurt my back."
• "There was a power failure and my electric garage won't open."
• "I'm having a mental health day."
• "I had to go to casualty after I poked myself in the eye with a fork at breakfast."
• "We were burgled and my shoes have all been stolen."
• "My curlers burned my hair and I had to go to the hairdresser."
• "I was asked to take part in an identity parade and felt it was my public duty."
• "The cat got run over by the milkman and Im consoling the kids."
• "My wife has left me and burned my clothes so I've nothing to wear to work."
• "My pet cow bit me."