The U.K saw a record number of working days lost due to short-term sickness last year
Figures releasd this morning by the Office of National Statistics showed that workers took 185.6 million days off work due to sickness or injury in 2022.
This was more than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic itself, when fewer sick days were recorded as millions of workers were on furlough and lockdown restrictions reduced exposure to minor illnesses.
Minor illnesses accounted for 29% of days lost, while respiratory conditions accounted for 8% of days lost – up from 4% in 2019 – and ‘other’ conditions, which include COVID-19, diabetes and a range of others – rose to 24% from 14%.
Sickness absence was most common among workers in the care sector and related personal services roles.
Ben Keighley, founder of social media recruitment specialist Socially Recruited, comments:
“It’s official: Britain is the sick man of Europe again. These figures show clearly the uphill battle Jeremy Hunt is facing as he tries to tackle the UK’s productivity crisis.
“The highest absence rate in two decades and a record number of days lost to illness or injury are hugely problematic for the Chancellor.
“While Covid continues to contribute directly to sickness rates in the workplace, its greatest impact is being seen in the care industries coping with its legacy. Absenteeism is soaring, particularly among staff who were on the frontline during the pandemic.
“For many Brits, time in the workplace has a significant bearing on their mental well-being so it’s important that provision exists to support existing staff and attract the new workers desperately needed to drive the economy forward.
“Companies should also ensure they are offering flexible and remote working models when recruiting to give a better work-life balance.”
