Story perspectives

Record Sick Days: Mental Health Crisis Hits UK Workers

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

British workers now miss an average of 9.4 days annually due to illness, a record high, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Sickness-related absences account for 4.1% of working hours, up from 5.8 days pre-pandemic.
Mental health issues represent 41% of long-term sick leave, with anxiety and depression causing 29% of short-term absences.
Critics, including Nana Akua, claim the Labour Government's sick pay strategy is flawed, advocating for active lifestyles to improve mental health.
The rise in sick days links to societal trends, such as an ageing workforce and increasing long-term health conditions.

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Story summary

British workers now miss an average of 9.4 days annually due to illness, a record high, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Sickness-related absences account for 4.1% of working hours, up from 5.8 days pre-pandemic.
Mental health issues represent 41% of long-term sick leave, with anxiety and depression causing 29% of short-term absences.
Critics, including Nana Akua, claim the Labour Government's sick pay strategy is flawed, advocating for active lifestyles to improve mental health.
The rise in sick days links to societal trends, such as an ageing workforce and increasing long-term health conditions.