British researchers found that workers who are absent from work for seven or more days, face an increased risk for premature death.

Workers absent due to surgery had more than double the odds for premature death, while those just recovering from a cold or flu had no had no such increase.

Employees treated for heart disease or stroke had the highest odds of premature death - more than four times greater than that of healthy workers.

Psychiatric illness increased early death risk by about a factor of two.

The researchers say extended sick leave could serve as an early warning sign for companies, allowing them to target certain groups for check-up reminders, or health classes that could end up saving lives.