The UK workforce is facing a health crisis as new official figures reveal employees took a staggering 185.6 million sick days last year—the highest level recorded since 2008.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a dramatic 22% increase in sickness absence compared to pre-pandemic levels, painting a concerning picture of the nation's workplace health.
The Perfect Storm of Health Challenges
Experts describe the situation as a "perfect storm" of post-pandemic health issues colliding with unprecedented pressure on the NHS. Minor illnesses accounted for the majority of absences (29.1%), followed closely by respiratory problems and mental health conditions including stress, anxiety, and depression.
"The data suggests we're dealing with the long tail of the pandemic," explained Hugh Stickland, ONS senior economist. "Many people are still dealing with ongoing health issues that are impacting their ability to work consistently."
Mental Health Crisis Deepens
Perhaps most alarmingly, mental health-related absences have reached record levels. The data shows a significant rise in workers taking time off for conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
"We're seeing the cumulative impact of several difficult years," said Rachel Suff, senior employee wellbeing adviser at the CIPD. "The cost-of-living crisis, ongoing NHS pressures, and the aftermath of the pandemic have created a challenging environment for mental health."
Long-Term Sickness on the Rise
The report highlights a worrying trend in long-term sickness absence, with more people than ever reporting health conditions lasting four weeks or longer. This has contributed significantly to economic inactivity rates, with over 2.8 million people now out of work due to long-term health issues.
Public sector workers, particularly those in healthcare and education, showed notably higher absence rates—a reflection of the intense pressure these sectors have faced in recent years.
The End of Presenteeism?
In a potentially positive shift, the data suggests that the culture of "presenteeism"—where employees come to work while ill—may be fading. The pandemic has normalised taking time off when unwell, particularly with respiratory symptoms.
However, experts warn that businesses must do more to support employee wellbeing through flexible working arrangements, better mental health support, and proactive wellness programmes.
As the UK workforce navigates this new health landscape, the record sick day figures serve as a stark reminder that employee wellbeing directly impacts both individual lives and the broader economy.
