MOST of us probably dread getting the sack and few would regard it as a joke. Those horror stories about getting your cards and being told to clear your desk and leave the building immediately are, for the majority, the stuff of nightmares.

But in a new television game show, The Sack Race, (beginning on BBC2 on Monday, January 12) contestants compete to get the sack on their first day in a new job. They're not allowed to do anything illegal and have to get the sack in the most imaginative and entertaining way possible.

Meanwhile, the rest of the workforce in the shops and companies they join are unaware of their new ''colleague's'' intentions and have no idea they are being filmed.

So how challenging is it in the real world to guarantee you get your marching orders?

Tim Jones, marketing partner at Pertemps recruitment agency (www.pertemps.co.uk) has, over the years, heard of a variety of ways in which people have got themselves sacked.

He says: ''Pulling a 'sickie' is something most people admit to at some point in our careers and regard as a white lie. Where people have got themselves into trouble is being spotted by colleagues in the street. This can sometimes be excused by putting it down to going to the chemist or doctors.

''Unfortunately, we heard of one man who while on a 'sickie' managed to expose himself to millions as fit and healthy by appearing on national television as a linesman in a major live football match.''

Jones adds: ''Nudity is a reliable way of parting company with your employer. I heard of a lecturer who in a fit of temper with his employers and class, once displayed his rear. This ensured his suspension and dismissal.''

Even laughing can demonstrate that an employee is not taking his job seriously and can have terminal results. ''We were told of one gap year student who was sacked from a farming job for excessive laughing. Each day he was forced to polish melons and the daily barrage of puns from his colleagues always reduced him to fits of laughter, which irritated his boss so much he got rid of him.''

Getting caught having sex - unless it's with the boss - can certainly have an adverse effect on a career. A recent survey of employees claimed a staggering 30 per cent admitted to having sex in the workplace, despite the risks.

Theft guarantees dismissal. It's possible that helping yourself to the odd envelope from the stationery cupboard may only raise eyebrows but if there's any amount of money involved the implications are horrendous and a criminal record can have long-lasting career effects.

Margaret Stead, a career coach and founder of www.careersnet.com, says being sacked is devastating but - surprisingly - there are ways of handling it positively.

''It may not feel like it at the time but being sacked can be the best thing that happens to you. I always tell people that in fact 'the grass is always greener on the other side' and it is far better to leave if you're not wanted. With the right attitude - and help from a career coach or employment specialist - you can invariably find a better, more rewarding job.''

But she does not underestimate the shock and pain of the ultimate employment blow. ''I've been through that experience and worked with thousands of people who have suffered it. Most people who I see, often immediately afterwards, look like ghosts - pale and shaking and suffering shock. It's never nice to be told to leave instead of having a choice. It's humiliating and dents your self esteem.''

Although it's impossible to receive the sack in a ''perfect'' way, there are some methods of breaking the news that are worse than others.

''I've heard of human resource managers who've been drawing up a redundancy programme - and been told at the last minute to add their own name. One man was simply called in and informed, 'We will not be able to fulfil your ambitions so please leave now.' Another was merely dismissed with, 'Let's just call it a day. See you.'''

But Stead says you can redeem the situation by behaving with dignity and even ensuring that you get the best leaving package possible.

She advises: ''When you are told the news, use all your control to smile politely and accept fate gracefully. Don't lose your temper, insult the boss or - even worse - beg for your job. None of that ever works and you will just make the situation even more embarrassing for both you and your employer. Also rudeness won't improve your prospects of a good reference.''

If you have had time to prepare yourself for the news, she advises making a list of benefits that could ease the pain of dismissal. This might include asking the company to fund a training course to improve your prospects of getting another job, or requesting that they continue paying your home telephone bill for a few months while you hunt for work.

Stead says: ''Don't forget any employer - even the most hard hearted - will find sacking someone uncomfortable and will want the interview to be as short as possible. So now is the perfect time to ask for what you want and put them on the spot. They're highly likely to agree to at least some of your requests if you're polite and positive and ask for their support in this difficult situation. Also it will help you feel more in control.''

Another key tip is not to sign any redundancy agreement before you have had it checked by an outside expert. Companies can miscalculate or omit to include percentages of pensions, holiday pay, or other benefits.

When you leave the boss's office after being fired don't just skulk out of the building, Stead says.

''Instead of rushing to the loo for a good cry, or maybe after you've dried your eyes in private, round up as many colleagues as you can to tell them the news. It's more positive if it comes direct from you. Put on a brave face and say you will be 'exploring new opportunities' and you're 'looking forward to new challenges elsewhere'. Ideally get a colleague to pop out for some booze and crisps to brighten the mood.''

Tell people how good it's been to work with them and take their telephone numbers so you can call once you've left, she advises. ''Then you keep contacts who may hear of other jobs or have information about your old company that may be useful.''

Finally, she says: ''Walk out with your head held high - determined to get a better job and show them.''

* The Sack Race starts on BBC2 on Monday January 12