Eight million 'pet sickies'

Grieving pet owners collectively take eight million 'sickies' off work a year to get over the death of their animals, according to a report.

Just over half of the 14.5million Britons who own pets said they would need between two and five days off work for a 'bereavement', while 10 per cent would need up to two weeks, says insurer Direct Line.

Only one in five thought they would need more time off if a family member died.