The average Islington Council worker was taking 20 sick days a year, an investigation revealed.

In the town hall’s building department, the rate of sick days was as high as 23 days a year.

The figures were revealed in a confidential council meeting but ended up splashed on the front of the Gazette.

Council leader Margaret Hodge said: “I am extremely concerned. It’s got worse since self-certification was introduced. It’s unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Prince Charles revealed his secret visits to Finsbury Park. On an official visit, he said at a buffet lunch: “Finsbury Park is an area of urgent housing need. I’ve seen that this morning, as well as on visits that I made without anyone knowing.” Buckingham Palace refused to comment.