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Chapter 2
Specific health problems
[ch 2: page 10]“Minor illness” including coughs, colds and flu, sickness, nausea and diarrhoea were the main reason for sickness absence in 2020 (26%) but the ONS also identifies the role played by more specific conditions (see table below). The “Other” category of illnesses, the third largest, accounted for 23.5 million days lost (19.8%) and included accidents, poisonings, infectious diseases, skin disorders, diabetes and anything else not covered. The sheer variety of possible causes shows why it is so important for those managing sickness absence to look at each case on its own terms.
Table 2: ONS sickness absence causes
| Reason given | Days lost | Occurrences | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| Minor illnesses | 22.0% | 22.9% | 26.1% | 30.4% |
| Musculoskeletal problems | 17.5% | 20.6% | 15.4% | 16.3% |
| Other | 19.8% | 14.5% | 17.1% | 13.6% |
| Mental health conditions | 13.4% | 14.5% | 11.6% | 10.9% |
| Gastrointestinal problems | 5.4% | 6.3% | 5.4% | 7.0% |
| Respiratory conditions | 5.3% | 4.0% | 4.4% | 3.6% |
| Eye/ear/nose/mouth/dental problems | 2.9% | 3.6% | 3.1% | 4.1% |
| Genito-urinary problems | 1.8% | 2.6% | 3.1% | 2.5% |
| Heart, blood pressure, circulation problems | 3.0% | 4.1% | 2.7% | 3.0% |
| Headaches and migraines | 3.0% | 2.1% | 4.9% | 3.2% |
| Prefers not to give details | 5.9% | 4.8% | 6.2% | 5.4% |