Britain lost an estimated 148.8 million working days to sickness absence last year, official figures reveal.

That is nearly 10 million more than before the Covid pandemic, with experts pointing to a mix of post-pandemic shifts in working patterns and attitudes towards taking time off.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the average worker took 4.4 sick days in 2025 - slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Women, older employees, part-time staff and public sector workers recorded the highest absence rates, along with those with long-term health conditions.

Minor illnesses - including coughs, colds, flu, nausea and diarrhoea - remained the leading cause, accounting for just over 30 per cent of all absences.

Yorkshire and the Humber recorded the highest regional sickness rate at 2.4 per cent, while London had the lowest at 1.5 per cent.

Absence in the public sector continued to outstrip the private sector, reaching 2.9 per cent compared with 1.7 per cent.

However, experts warned the figures may understate the true scale of ill health in the workplace, with many employees still working while unwell.

Asli Atay, senior policy adviser at Lancaster University’s Work Foundation, said: ‘These figures suggest sickness absence has stabilised, with the average worker taking 4.4 days off.

‘But our research shows two in three employees have gone to work sick and felt they should have taken time off.

‘The priority must be ensuring workers have the financial security to recover properly when they fall ill.’

Under current rules, employees must provide a ‘fit note’ if they are off work for more than seven consecutive days. 

These can be issued by GPs, nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists.

Statutory Sick Pay now stands at £123.25 per week, payable for up to 28 weeks -though it remains among the lowest rates in Europe.

Brett Hill, head of health and protection at Broadstone, said absence levels remain ‘uncomfortably high’.

He warned: ‘Long periods away from work reduce the likelihood of a successful return and increase the risk of people leaving the workforce altogether.

‘Pressure on NHS services is a key driver, with delays in GP appointments and treatment allowing conditions to worsen before people receive care.’

Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, added: ‘The loss of almost 149 million working days is a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge facing the UK workforce.’

Separate figures show more than 11 million sick notes were issued by NHS staff in England last year - more than double the 5.3 million recorded in 2015.

Mental and behavioural disorders, including anxiety and depression, were the leading cause, accounting for more than 900,000 notes.