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Publication, Part of

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, February 2024

Official statistics

Current Chapter

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, February 2024


Summary

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.


Key Facts

NHS Absence rates in February 2024

The overall sickness absence rate for England was 5.1%. This has fallen slightly since January 2024 (5.5%) but increased slightly since February 2023 (5.0%).

Regional and organisational type variation

The North West region reported the highest sickness absence rate in February 2024 at 6.0%, decreasing since January 2024 (6.5%).

The London region reported the lowest sickness absence rate in February 2024 at 4.4%, decreasing slightly since January 2024 (4.7%).

 

 

Ambulance Trusts had the highest sickness absence rate at 6.8% in February 2024, decreasing since January 2024 (7.4%). Commissioning Support Units had the lowest sickness absence rate at 3.4%, remaining unchanged since January 2024 (3.4%).

Staff group differences

Support to ambulance staff reported the highest sickness absence rate in February 2024 at 7.9%, decreasing since January 2024 (8.7%).

 

 

HCHS Doctors reported the lowest sickness absence rate in February 2024 at 2.0%.

Reason for sickness absence

Anxiety/stress/depression/other psychiatric illnesses was the most reported reason for sickness, accounting for over 545,100 full time equivalent days lost and 25.8% of all sickness absence in February 2024. This has increased since January 2024 (24.3%).




Last edited: 25 July 2024 10:10 am