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Publication, Part of

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, December 2023

Official statistics

Publication Date:
25 Apr 2024
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 2023

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NHS Sickness Absence Rates, December 2023

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Summary

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, December 2023

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 2023

The overall sickness absence rate for England was 5.5%. This has increased slightly since November 2023 (5.3%) but is lower than in December 2022 (6.3%).

Regional and organisational type variation

The North West region reported the highest sickness absence rate in December 2023 at 6.4%, increasing slightly since November 2023 (6.2%).

The London region reported the lowest sickness absence rate in December 2023 at 4.9%, increasing slightly since November 2023 (4.8%).

 

Ambulance Trusts had the highest sickness absence rate at 7.8% in December 2023, rising since November 2023 (6.7%). Commissioning Support Units had the lowest sickness absence rate at 3.3%, falling slightly since November 2023 (3.4%).

Staff group differences

Support to ambulance staff reported the highest sickness absence rate in December 2023 at 9.1%, increasing since November 2023 (8.0%).

 

HCHS Doctors reported the lowest sickness absence rate in December 2023 at 2.0%.

Reason for sickness absence

Anxiety/stress/depression/other psychiatric illnesses was the most reported reason for sickness, accounting for over 620,820 full time equivalent days lost and 25.6% of all sickness absence in December 2023. This has decreased slightly since November 2023 (26.2%).

Last edited: 24 April 2024 3:09 pm