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Publication, Part of

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, October 2023

Official statistics

Publication Date:
29 Feb 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 Oct 2023

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NHS Sickness Absence Rates, October 2023

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Classification of Statistics
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Summary

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, October 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 October 2023

The overall sickness absence rate for England was 5.3%. This has increased slightly since September 2023 (5.0%) but is lower than in October 2022 (5.6%).

Regional and organisational type variation

The North West region reported the highest sickness absence rate in October 2023 at 6.3%, increasing slightly since September 2023 (5.9%).

The London and South East of England regions reported the lowest sickness absence rate in October 2023 at 4.7%, increasing slightly since September 2023 (4.4% each).

 

Ambulance Trusts had the highest sickness absence rate at 6.7% in October 2023, increasing slightly since September 2023 (6.5%). Commissioning Support Units had the lowest sickness absence rate at 3.2%, increasing slightly since September 2023 (3.0%).

Staff group differences

Support to ambulance staff reported the highest sickness absence rate in October 2023 at 8.1%, increasing slightly since September 2023 (7.7%).

 

Hospital Practitioner/Clinical Assistants reported the lowest sickness absence rate in October 2023 at 0.2%.

Reason for sickness absence

Anxiety/stress/depression/other psychiatric illnesses was the most reported reason for sickness, accounting for over 584,800 full time equivalent days lost and 25.2% of all sickness absence in October 2023. This has fallen slightly since September 2023 (26.4%).

Last edited: 29 February 2024 9:48 am