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Publication, Part of

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, December 2022

Official statistics

Publication Date:
27 Apr 2023
Geographic Coverage:
England
Geographical Granularity:
NHS Trusts, Hospital Trusts, Ambulance Trusts, Mental Health Trusts, Regions, Clinical Commissioning Groups
Date Range:
30 Apr 2009 to 31 Dec 2022

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NHS Sickness Absence Rates, December 2022

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Classification of Statistics
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Summary

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, December 2022

Key Facts

This report shows monthly sickness absence rates of NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) staff working in NHS Trusts and other core organisations and NHS Support Organisations and Central Bodies. Data is presented by NHS England region, ICS area, organisation, organisation type, staff group and reason for sickness absence. 

We welcome feedback on the methodology and tables within this publication. Please email us with your comments and suggestions, clearly stating NHS Sickness Absence as the subject heading, via [email protected] or 0300 303 5678.

NHS Absence rates in December 2022

The overall sickness absence rate for England was 6.3%. This is higher than November 2022 (5.4%) and is slightly higher than December 2021 (6.2%).

Regional and organisational type variation

The North West region reported the highest sickness absence rate in December 2022 at 7.4%, this is higher than their rate in November 2022 (6.4%). The London region reported the lowest sickness absence rate in December 2022 at 5.4%, increasing since November 2022 (4.8%).

Ambulance Trusts had the highest sickness absence rate at 9.0% in December 2022, increasing since November 2022 (7.6%). Integrated Care Boards had the lowest sickness absence rate at 3.4%.

Staff group differences

Support to ambulance staff reported the highest sickness absence rate in December 2022 at 10.7%, increasing since November 2022 (8.9%).

Consultants reported the lowest rate at 1.9% in December 2022, increasing slightly since November 2022 (1.7%).

Reason for sickness absence

Cold Cough Flu - Influenza was the most reported reason for sickness, accounting for over 580,600 full time equivalent days lost and 22.0% of all sickness absence in December 2022. This has increased since November 2022 (12.7%).

Anxiety/stress/depression/other psychiatric illnesses was the second most reported reason, accounting for over 547,800 full time equivalent days lost and 20.8% of all sickness absence in December 2022. This has decreased slightly since November 2022 (24.0%).

Last edited: 26 April 2023 3:39 pm