LRD guides and handbook March 2022

Sickness absence and sick pay - a guide for trade unions and working people

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%