Majority of UK workforce went to work while unwell in 2017

Adam Saville
clock • 1 min read

With sick leave at its lowest for decades, new Bupa research suggests that millions headed into work despite being unwell, feeling pain and suffering from mental illness last year.

Two thirds (64%) of UK employees have gone into work within the last 12 months despite feeling unwell, while a third (27%) ignored their doctor's advice to stay at home, research by Bupa has revealed. The percentage of those working while suffering from musculoskeletal issues, such as back and neck ache, was 34% - and 29% endured stress, depression and anxiety while in the workplace. The findings come after the latest government figures (2016) showed sick leave at its lowest since records began in 1993. But with most employers pushing for increased productivity in 2018, Buba's rese...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Employee Benefits

Partner Insight: The Importance of Inclusive Health Benefits at Pivotal Moments

Partner Insight: The Importance of Inclusive Health Benefits at Pivotal Moments

A Conversation with Wendy Sherry, CEO, Global Health Benefits within International Health, Cigna Healthcare and Tammy Sun, Founder and CEO of Carrot Fertility.

Wendy Sherry, International Health and Tammy Sun, Carrot Fertility
clock 10 December 2024 • 7 min read
Lime Health to consult on NHS plan

Lime Health to consult on NHS plan

Collaboration with ministers

Cameron Roberts
clock 02 December 2024 • 2 min read
Standard Life sells employee benefits business

Standard Life sells employee benefits business

More than 140,000 employees join Benefex

Jaskeet Briah
clock 28 November 2024 • 1 min read