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Publication, Part of

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, November 2024

Official statistics

Current Chapter

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, November 2024


Summary

This report shows monthly sickness absence rates of 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 November 2024

The overall sickness absence rate for England was 5.4%. This has remained unchanged since October 2024 (5.4%) and is slightly higher than November 2023 (5.3%).

Regional and organisational type variation

The North West region reported the highest sickness absence rate in November 2024 at 6.3%, rising slightly since October 2024 (6.2%).

London and South East of England reported the lowest sickness absence rate in November 2024 at 4.8% each, remaining relatively unchanged since October 2024 (4.8% and 5.0% respectively).

 

Ambulance Trusts had the highest sickness absence rate at 7.1% in November 2024, increasing since October 2024 (6.7%). Commissioning Support Units had the lowest sickness absence rate at 3.8%, rising slightly since October 2024 (3.5%).

Staff group differences

Support to ambulance staff reported the highest sickness absence rate in November 2024 at 8.3%, rising since October 2024 (7.9%).

 

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

Reason for sickness absence

Anxiety/stress/depression/other psychiatric illnesses was the most reported reason for sickness, accounting for over 630,300 full time equivalent days lost and 26.6% of all sickness absence in November 2024. This has increased since October 2024 (25.7%).




Last edited: 27 March 2025 9:31 am