Since the pandemic, sickness figures have escalated, with the average employee taking 9.4 days off sick in 2024, equivalent to nearly two weeks.

This marks a massive jump compared to the pre-covid level of 5.8 days. Even in the last year the position has worsened, up 20% from 7.8 days in 2023.

The CIPD’s Health and wellbeing at work report 2025, supported by Simplyhealth, found that absence levels have risen as more working adults face long-term health conditions.

Delays accessing NHS services due to long waiting lists and the fallout from the damaging pandemic period are also key factors affecting the latest absence figures.