According to a new study, older workers are half has likely to take sick leave as compared to their younger counterparts.

The research by an insurance company found that those in their 20's are twice as likely to take sick leaves when compared to their older colleagues.Just a quarter of the workers above the age of 50 years needed sick leaves in the previous year compared to half of those in the age group of 20 to 29 years, according to RIAS insurance firm.

Peter Corfield, managing director of insurance company RIAS, said, "Over-50s workers continue to be a vital part of the British workforce and they should be recognised for the contribution they make. They bring a wealth of experience, ambition and knowledge that cannot be overestimated.It is key that we understand that workers in their 50s and 60s are not old, they are hard-working and dedicated, and very much want to work."

Corfield also said that hiring mature people will help UK businesses to save money lost in sick leaves.

The study also showed that 10 per cent of over-50s said that they took more time than required on offs compared to 55 per cent of those in the age group of 20 to 39 years. About 44 per cent of younger people pretended to be ill to have a day off compared to just 12 per cent for those above the age of 50 years.