Sick leave in Britain rises to record 9.4 days as mental health drives long-term absences

Workers in Britain took an average of 9.4 days off sick over the past 12 months, the highest level recorded since the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) began surveying employers in 2010, the professional body said in a report published Tuesday.

The CIPD said the figure marks a sharp rise from 7.8 days in 2023 and is a significant increase from the pre-pandemic average of 5.8 days. The survey of 1,100 employers found minor illnesses were the most common cause of short-term absences, while mental health problems were the second most common reason for short-term leave and the leading cause of long-term absence, typically resulting in four weeks or more away from work.

Public sector organisations were the hardest hit, the CIPD reported, with average sickness absence rising to 13.3 days per employee a year — roughly three working weeks. Private sector employers recorded an average of 9.1 days lost per employee. The report warned the trend presents operational challenges for employers and adds pressure to government finances as benefits and health-related costs rise.

Rachel Suff, senior wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, said employers must respond to an ageing workforce and changing work patterns by creating more supportive workplaces and by taking targeted action to address work-related stress and personal challenges. "Since mental ill health is a leading cause of absence, taking targeted action to help employees deal with work-related stress and personal challenges is crucial," she said.

The survey also examined the effects of remote and hybrid working. While employers generally reported that working from home had helped reduce overall sick leave, many signalled concern that mental health issues among home-based employees had increased. The CIPD noted it can be harder for managers and colleagues to spot signs of poor mental health or stress when staff are not physically present, which may delay support or intervention.

Long-term sickness driven by mental health conditions accounted for a disproportionate share of lost working days, the report said, underscoring how psychological ill health can translate into extended absences. Short-term absence patterns remained dominated by minor physical illnesses such as colds and stomach bugs.

The CIPD's findings come amid ongoing debate over workplace wellbeing policies, occupational health provision and the role of employers in supporting mental health. Analysts and business groups have pointed to pressures including increased workloads, staffing shortages and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as contributors to rising absence rates.

Employers surveyed reported a range of measures to curb absences, including wellbeing programmes, flexible working arrangements and improved occupational health referrals, but the CIPD said more targeted action is needed to address work-related stress and the root causes of mental ill health. The organisation called for employers and policymakers to prioritise prevention, early support and better access to treatment to reduce long-term impacts on workers and the economy.

The CIPD survey was carried out during 2025 and reflects data collected from a cross-section of public and private sector employers. The organisation said it will continue to monitor trends in sickness absence and the effectiveness of employer interventions aimed at improving workforce health and resilience.