Research published by fish4jobs.co.uk reveals that jobseekers should be cautious when trying to think of an excuse to attend a job interview.

The two most common excuses are calling in sick and a doctor's appointment. But when fish4jobs asked bosses in the UK, those two excuses were also likely to draw most attention.

The leading online careers search service, a sister service to thisisoxfordshire.co.uk, also reveals that UK workers don't stop at little white lies.

One in five have actually faked the death of a loved-one at some point in their career to get time off to attend a job interview.

But Britain's bosses aren't completely fooled. Nearly one in ten suspects the 'death of a family member' as an interview excuse, compared with only two per cent disbelieving dentist appointments.

It appears job hunters would be safer taking a day off as holiday, instead of getting caught in a web of lies.

Ther most suspicious interview excuses, according to employers, were:

1. Called in sick

2. Doctor's appointment

3. Death of a family member, someone close

4. Car broken down

5. External business meeting

6. Visit from plumber, electrician etc

7. Going to visit someone in hospital

8. Domestic argument

9. Dentist appointment

10. Pets ill