Sickness Absence Rate Stalls at 4.4 Days per Worker

Why It Matters

Stagnant sickness absence highlights persistent health gaps and rising costs for employers, urging policymakers to strengthen employee wellbeing support. Improving sick‑pay and workplace health can boost productivity and reduce long‑term economic strain.

Key Takeaways

• Sickness absence stayed at 4.4 days per worker in 2025
• Public sector absence 2.9%, private sector 1.7%
• Women, older workers, and part‑timers show higher absence rates
• Statutory Sick Pay remains low at £123.25 (~$156) weekly
• Minor illnesses cause 30% of absences; mental health 9%

Pulse Analysis

The latest ONS figures reveal that UK sickness absence has plateaued, with an average of 4.4 days lost per employee in 2025. After a post‑pandemic surge in 2021, the metric fell modestly in 2023 but has now stalled, remaining 0.1 percentage points above pre‑COVID levels. This stagnation underscores that the pandemic‑driven shift to remote work did not translate into lasting improvements in workforce health, and that underlying issues such as chronic conditions and workplace stress remain unaddressed.

A deeper dive shows stark disparities across sectors and demographics. Public‑sector workers logged a 2.9% absence rate, nearly double the private‑sector figure of 1.7%, while managers and senior officials recorded the lowest rate at 1.0%. Women, older employees, and part‑time staff consistently exceed the average, reflecting both occupational exposure and broader socioeconomic factors. Regional variations also emerged, with the East of England and North East seeing the sharpest upticks, whereas Wales experienced a modest decline. These patterns suggest that policy interventions must be tailored to sector‑specific risks and demographic vulnerabilities.

Policy experts argue that the current statutory sick pay (SSP) of £123.25 per week—about $156—remains one of Europe’s lowest, limiting workers’ ability to take necessary leave. Nearly half of UK employers do not supplement the statutory minimum, exacerbating health inequities. Strengthening SSP, expanding employer‑provided health programmes, and encouraging a culture that prioritises wellbeing could reduce the 148.8 million lost days and improve overall productivity. As the UK seeks to keep Britain working, aligning compensation with health outcomes will be crucial for sustainable economic growth.