The sickness absence rate for 2024 was found to be 2%, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 2.3% in 2023, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The number of working days lost due to sickness or injury was an estimated 148.9 million in 2024, a decrease of 14.9 million from 2023 and an increase of 9.9 million from 2019. There was also a fall in days lost per worker, to 4.4 days in 2024, down 0.5 days from 2023 but 0.2 days above 2019.
Minor illnesses were the most common reason given for sickness absence in 2024, for the third consecutive year. These accounted for 30% of sickness absence occurrences in 2024, followed by musculoskeletal problems at 15.5%, mental health conditions at 9.8%, and respiratory conditions at 7.3%.
The sickness absence rate in 2024 for men stood at 1.6% and 2.5% for women. The male rate fell 0.2 percentage points from 2023 to the 2019 value, while the women’s rate decreased by 0.3 percentage points from 2023 and rose 0.1 percentage points from 2019.
The largest decrease for men was among those aged 25 to 34 years, at 0.4 percentage points, while the largest decrease for women was among those aged 50 to 64 years, at 0.7 percentage points. Women aged 16 to 24 years were the only group to see an increase, rising by 0.3 percentage points to 1.6%.
The sickness absence rate for those with long-term health conditions in 2024 was 4%, and 1% for those without. The rate for those with long-term health conditions fell by 0.6 percentage points, while the rate for those without fell by 0.1 percentage points.
Catherine Foot, director of Phoenix Insights at Phoenix Group, said: “This lost productivity damages our economy and businesses, as well as the millions of individuals suffering with long-term health conditions and disability, many of whom are aged over 50 and find it increasingly difficult to stay in good, well-paid work. Those out of work in this age group due to illness have only 5% of the wealth of those who have retired early, risking a looming pre-retirement poverty crisis.
“The government and employers must work to provide better flexible working accommodations and occupational health support to help people manage their health issues while continuing to work, earn and save, as well as comprehensive sick leave policies that support people in their return to work, so people do not feel forced to leave the workforce altogether.”
Charlotte Neal, head of community connections at Reward Gateway | Edenred, added: “It’s time to recognise that health is simply an unavoidable part of being human. Business leaders are in a position to change employees’ lives for the better by implementing initiatives and benefits that plug the ever-increasing gap in access to healthcare services. When they address employees’ whole needs and not just their work requirements, they send the message that they’re appreciated for who they are, not just what they do. It’s an under-utilised cheat code which guarantees positive employee experiences, healthier and engaged workforces, and better business results.”
