Workplace size and location

The largest workforces report the highest sickness rates. In 2013 the percentage of working hours lost in workforces of 25 or more employees was 2.2%-2.3%, but it was 1.7% where there were less than 25 employees (ONS). This may be more evidence of “presenteeism”, workers in small workplaces not feeling able to take time off due to work commitments, or letting their team down, or not having colleagues to cover their work.

Across the UK sickness absence is lowest in London and the South East and highest in the East Midlands, Wales and North East. London has a younger workforce and more self-employed people when compared to other parts of the country. The South East, with the second lowest percentage of hours lost at 1.8%, also has a higher than average percentage of self-employed and private sector workers. Both have a higher than average percentage of workers employed as managers, directors and senior officials or professional occupations (associated with lower than average sickness absence — see below).