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Publication, Part of

NHS Sickness Absence Rates, October 2024

Official statistics

Publication Date:
27 Feb 2025
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 2024

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NHS Sickness Absence Rates, October 2024

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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 October 2024

The overall sickness absence rate for England was 5.4%. This has risen slightly since September 2024 (5.0%) and is slightly higher than October 2023 (5.3%).

Regional and organisational type variation

The North West region reported the highest sickness absence rate in October 2024 at 6.2%, rising slightly since September 2024 (5.8%).

London reported the lowest sickness absence rate in October 2024 at 4.8%, increasing slightly since September 2024 (4.5%).

 

Ambulance Trusts had the highest sickness absence rate at 6.7% in October 2024, increasing slightly since September 2024 (6.5%). Commissioning Support Units had the lowest sickness absence rate at 3.5%, remaining relatively unchanged since September 2024 (3.4%).

Staff group differences

Support to ambulance staff reported the highest sickness absence rate in October 2024 at 7.9%, rising slightly since September 2024 (7.6%).

 

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

Reason for sickness absence

Anxiety/stress/depression/other psychiatric illnesses was the most reported reason for sickness, accounting for over 624,300 full time equivalent days lost and 25.7% of all sickness absence in October 2024. This has fallen since September 2024 (27.1%).

Last edited: 27 February 2025 9:31 am