The Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to the Sickness absence in the UK labour market figures for 2025 released by the Office for National Statistics. Asli Atay, Senior Policy Advisor, the Work Foundation at Lancaster University commented:

“Today’s figures suggest sickness absence from the workplace in the UK has stabilised with the average worker taking 4.4 days off in 2025.

“However, Work Foundation research found that two in three workers (67%) have gone to work sick and felt they should have taken time off. That’s why it’s critical that reducing sickness absence is not the sole focus of policymakers – rather the aim must be to ensure all workers who fall ill have the support and financial security to take leave and recuperate when they need it.

“And it’s even more important for the groups who on average face higher levels of ill health, including women and older workers. This is particularly true for workers with long-term health conditions, as data suggests that they are four times (4% vs 1%) more likely to take sick leave than those without health conditions. Yet many still face a stark choice between pushing through when unwell or taking the time off they need to manage their health condition.

“Not being able to do so can lead to health problems getting worse over time, which could see more people joining the near 2.8 million people who are economically inactive due to ill health. This is why it is welcome that changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 mean over a million low-paid workers now have access to Statutory Sick Pay for the first time, with millions more getting access from the first day of illness.

“These are important steps forward, but they do not go far enough. The UK still has one of the lowest rates of Statutory Sick Pay in Europe at £123.25, and nearly half of employers in the UK do not go beyond the statutory minimum. The UK Government should build on recent progress, and set out a roadmap for increasing the rate of SSP in order to help increase workforce participation and Keep Britain Working into the future.”