The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data on sickness absence in the UK labour market which showed 148.9 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury in 2024.
The figure equates to 4.4 days lost per worker and is a 9% year-on-year decrease. In 2023 the number stood at 163.8m. Despite the decrease the number is 7% higher than 2019 figures, representing 9.9m additional working days lost.
Brett Hill, head of health and protection, Broadstone, said: ‘While sickness absence has edged down from its post-pandemic peak, the figures remain worryingly high. We’re still seeing nearly 10% more days lost than before Covid-19, and that’s continuing to hold back productivity across the economy. With NHS waiting lists recently increasing again, businesses should prepare for further sickness absence challenges in 2025 as access to timely medical care remains out of reach for many.’
The demographics with the highest rates of sickness absence in 2024 included women, older workers, those with long-term health conditions and people working part-time, among others.
The reasons for absence varied but the most common included: musculoskeletal problems (15.5%); “other” conditions (15.1%); mental health conditions (9.8%); and respiratory conditions (7.3%).
Charlotte Neal, head of community connections, Edenred, said: “Sick” is still a dirty word in the world of work. People would rather get signed off to avoid discrimination, awkward conversations and being labelled ‘incapable’ and missing out on opportunities. It’s easier to hide behind a sick note than it is to ask for support.
“It’s an unfortunate reality and we see this in the volume of people who are absent from work, and then hesitant to rejoin the workforce, especially after prolonged bouts of ill-health.”
Provider, Canada Life, released data that showed 23% of SMEs are seriously impacted if employees are ill, with 17% regularly struggling with employees being ill for long periods.
Hill continued: “Employers may now be dealing with higher national insurance costs, but they can ill afford to take their eye off the ball when it comes to funding healthcare benefits for employees.
“Providing benefits like digital GP services or private medical insurance is no longer just a perk – it’s essential to reduce absence, sustain productivity and protect business resilience.”
