Researchers say Monday, October 26, will be the most unproductive of 2009 as workers' morale is hit by darker evenings brought on by the clocks going back.

Productivity is expected to drop by 50% this week as depressed staff struggle to come to terms with the dark nights closing in. A staggering 52% of workers admitted they will struggle to get to grips with their work-load today - and eight per cent planned to phone in sick because they were so depressed at the thought of going to work. The statistics emerged in a study of 2,000 workers by Promotur, The Canary Island tourism board. 

Dr Christian Jessen of Channel 4's Embarrassing Illnesses, said: "The Winter Blues are no joke. If you find the winter months tough, particularly during December and January you may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, which causes a low mood caused by the lack of light during winter.  If these all ring bells then you may be a sufferer and should consider ways you can get more light into your life over winter."

What's so special about that Monday? In my humble opinion they're all pretty grim!


Just another hard working day in the cleverthingies office...

The original was here