Reasons for sickness absence United Kingdom (UK) 2013

This statistic shows the distribution of sickness absence in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2013, by reason. The most common reason was minor illness. One fifth of all such absences were due to musculoskeletal problems such as back pain and neck problems. 4 percent of people chose to not give details.

Distribution of sickness absence in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2013, by reason*

Characteristic	Proportion of sickness absences
Minor illnesses	30%
Musculoskeletal problems**	20%
Other***	14%
Stress, depression, anxiety	8%
Gastrointestinal problems	7%
Eye/ear/nose/mouth/dental problems	4%
Respiratory conditions	4%
Heart, blood pressure, circulation problems	3%
Genito-urinary problems	3%
Headaches and migraines	2%
Serious mental health problems	1%
Prefers not to give details	4%

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Release date

February 2014

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

2013

Age group

16 years and older

Supplementary notes

*The reasons provided for sickness absence are for all people in employment aged 16 and over.
**'Musculoskeletal problems' includes back pain, neck and upper limb problems and other musculoskeletal problems
***'Other' includes the total number of days lost to diabetes as well as days lost to accidents, poisonings, infectious diseases, skin disorders and anything else not covered.

Sickness absence rates do not account for the total length of absence because the Labour Force Survey can only measure up to seven days off work during the interviewee’s reference week.

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