Employment Law Changes 2023

• The average number of sick days taken per worker is 6.2 days per year (2023).

• The most common reasons for sick leave are respiratory infections, musculoskeletal problems, and mental health conditions.

• Women take more sick days than men.

• Younger workers take more sick days than older workers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on sick pay trends in the UK. The number of sick days taken increased sharply in 2020, as many workers were forced to self-isolate or were unable to work due to illness. The number of sick days has since declined, but it remains higher than it was before the pandemic.

There are a number of things that employers can do to help reduce sick pay costs, such as:

• Offering flexible working arrangements

• Providing healthy working conditions

• Investing in employee wellness programs

• Creating a culture of open communication about mental health

• Removing the stigma associated with taking sick days