UK sickness absence edged closer to pre-pandemic norms last year, according to new Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.
Workers took an average of 4.4 days off for sickness or injury in 2024, amounting to 148.9 million lost working days, or 2% of all possible days. That is 0.2% lower than 2023, but still above the 1.9% recorded in 2019, adding the equivalent of 9.9 million extra lost days.
Absence remained highest in the public sector at 2.9%, although this has fallen from 3.6% in 2022. Private-sector absence stood at 1.8%. Senior management and professional services, including accountancy firms, recorded even lower rates of 1.8% and 1.3% respectively.
Top reasons for absence:
- Minor ailments (e.g., colds): 30%
- Musculoskeletal issues: 15.5%
- Mental health conditions: 9.8%
The ONS notes that statutory sick pay (SSP) rules help explain the public-private absence gap. Many private-sector employees are unpaid for the first three days of absence. The forthcoming Employment Rights Bill will make SSP payable from day one, potentially increasing costs for smaller employers.
Regional insights:
- Highest absence: South West (2.4%)
- Lowest absence: London and East (1.5%)
These trends reflect younger, more highly skilled workforces in lower-absence areas.
James Cockett, senior labour market economist at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said:
“Many frontline roles in the public sector – particularly in healthcare, education, social care and policing – not only increase exposure to illness but are often physically and emotionally demanding, leading to greater rates of stress-related ill health and absence. There’s also growing demand on our public services and limited resources, which is leading to an increase in the number of people who feel they’re consistently working under excessive pressure.”
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