Mental health conditions were leading causes of sickness absence during the pandemic, with both health and economic consequences.
A study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has found that the number of GP-issued fit notes for sickness absence increased during the latter part of the COVID-19 pandemic, with effects on the UK economy.
Many working-age people in the UK cannot work due to long-term sickness, with more than one in five working-age adults economically inactive in 2024. This impacts individuals, employers and the wider economy.
Researchers examined how often people of working age in England took sickness absence that required a fit note (“statements of fitness for work”), using routinely collected primary care health records from approximately 10 million adults aged 18 to 65.
Focusing on two time periods, before the COVID-19 pandemic (2017-2019) and later in the pandemic (2022-2023), researchers explored which health conditions and subgroups of the population were most affected by sickness absence. Additionally, researchers estimated the value of lost economic output linked to sickness absence during this time.
We hope this work informs targeted policies that better support people to stay healthy and engaged in work
Dr Naijie Guan, Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study, said: “Our research shows that sickness absence in England has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven partly by poor mental health, and now represents a substantial economic burden.
By highlighting which groups are most affected and the scale of the associated costs, we hope this work informs targeted policies that better support people to stay healthy and engaged in work.”
Researchers estimated the total cost of sickness absence in England to be around £13 billion per year before the pandemic and almost £16 billion per year during the later pandemic period.
The findings of the study highlight both the health and economic impact of sickness absence. Researchers recommend that better support and targeted policies for those experiencing long-term sickness, particularly related to mental health, are needed to help reduce the burden and assist people with staying in or returning to work.
Research Fellow
Staff profile for Dr Naijie (Katherine) Guan, Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Birmingham.
