Brits plan to take a sick day to snag Black Friday deals, spending over £400 on average

Brits will spend an average £400 this Friday (Image: Rakuten)

One in 10 Brits are planning to feign illness this Black Friday, according to a recent survey.

The poll, which surveyed 2,000 adults, revealed that Brits are preparing to use excuses such as suffering from a cold or flu, or even food poisoning, to free up time for their Black Friday shopping spree.

A whopping 40% of keen shoppers are setting their alarms for the early hour of 5:30am to snag deals, while just over a quarter plan to use work hours to capitalise on the sales.

Black Friday shoppers anticipate spending upwards of £400. However, 34% of astute shoppers have amassed an average of £176 in promotional codes, gift cards and vouchers throughout the year.

Christmas presents are at the top of the shopping list, but one in five will be splurging on themselves.

Comedian and actor Ellie Taylor has joined forces with cashback and rewards provider Rakuten, the company behind the research, to develop the  ‘Guide to Slack Friday’ a set of tips designed to assist Brits in successfully taking a sick day.

A third of shoppers will utilise Black Friday to purchase household essentials like soft furnishings, accessories and crockery.

While other purchases include family necessities such as children's shoes, coats and backpacks, as well as items for upcoming birthdays.

Alex Stedman, Rakuten's shopping and trends expert, commented: "As we approach Black Friday, using cashback sites to buy your Christmas gifts, or anything else you need outside of Christmas, is an easy strategy to ensure you're getting the best deal."

"Not only can you benefit from significant discounts during the sales period, but you also earn cashback on your purchases, creating a win-win situation."

"It's a simple way to maximise your budget."