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

Employers feeling the NICs strain

Employers feeling the NICs strain

NI changes on 6 April

Cameron Roberts
clock 01 April 2025 • 1 min read
Cancer carers to cost UK employers £8.5bn in 2025

Cancer carers to cost UK employers £8.5bn in 2025

Impact on finances, time, careers

Cameron Roberts
clock 28 March 2025 • 3 min read
Howden snaps up Barnett Waddingham

Howden snaps up Barnett Waddingham

Provides platform for expansion in global markets

Jaskeet Briah
clock 25 March 2025 • 2 min read