The number of fake sick notes requested each year is estimated to be approximately 9 million, according to recent research.

The survey also found that doctors think almost a quarter of the 557 requests they receive each year are questionable, with at least a fifth being invalid.

It found that back pain was the most common cause for sick note requests, with depression following a close second. Work place stress, other stress related problems and flu were also among the top five claims.

The study also found that almost three million workers across the country admitted they’d consider asking their GP for a fake sick note, with twice as many men as women saying they would cheat the system.

Four out of ten GPs questioned believed that more than a third of their patients who were unable to work could actually work a few hours a day or in a slightly different role. However, they said that employers were not encouraging them back to work.