One in 25 workers - 4 per cent of the UK workforce, has walked out on a job after experiencing a disastrous first day at work, according to new research from recruitment website reed.co.uk.

The survey of more than 5,000 workers and job seekers also found a further one in 12, or 9 per cent, seriously considered not going back after their first day.

When asked about first day mistakes, almost half the workers questioned (48 per cent), cited forgetting company details or the bosses' name as the most common mistake to make.

One salesman admitted: "I once referred to a new manager as 'Darling' because she had the same name as my wife."

[Posted on Watford Observer website on May 7, 2003]