BUPA used data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), to show the sector spent £1,250 per year in sickness per employee and lost nearly nine days (8.9) each year per worker, per year.

BUPA said the average 100-staff paper or printing company shelled out £125,000 in 2007 on sick pay, 72% more than in 2006.

The figures don't include the reasons behind the absences, although the sector is above average in terms of trying to reduce the problem, with 50% introducing targets.

However, BPIF corporate affairs director Andrew Brown was wary over the use of the figures.

"[The CIPD figures] are great for overall economy and broad sector comparisons," he told printweek.com.

"However, when it comes to specific sectors, it is not really appropriate to make such bold statements on the basis of 12 'paper and printing' companies reporting days lost – it's not clear how many of these were actually printers."

As well as signing up to one of its plans, BUPA has also recommended businesses have clear sickness absence policies and produce and audit sickness records to ensure the issue is transparent.

It has also suggested offering employee health assessments to provide ongoing support in adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Following printing and paper, the construction industry was reported to be the second sickest industry, followed by the healthcare sector.

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