BRITISH workers take an average of just over four days off sick per year, new figures showed today.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the percentage of working hours lost because of sickness or injury fell by 0.3 points over the year to 2 per cent in 2024.

Minor illnesses were the most common reason given for sickness absence, followed by musculoskeletal problems.

Groups with the highest rates of sickness absence in 2024 included women, older workers, those with long-term health conditions, people working part-time and public-sector workers, said the ONS, with the time lost averaging 4.4 days per worker in 2024.

Safe Sick Pay campaign director Amanda Walters said: “The weekly rate of sick pay remains just £3 an hour for a full-time worker. 

”If we are serious about improving the health of the working age population, the government needs to stop ignoring the elephant in the room and put statutory sick pay in line with the minimum wage.”

Work Foundation think tank director Ben Harrison added: “Enabling people to take time off when they are sick to get better and return to work in good health is critical for a robust and successful labour market.

“The UK’s statutory sick pay of £118.75 a week is lower than the majority of OECD countries, and our research shows that 47 per cent of UK businesses do not pay above the statutory minimum.

“This can mean those who rely on statutory sick pay can face a choice between making ends meet or looking after their health.”

A Government spokesperson said: “Our landmark reforms to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay will help millions of workers by providing better financial security and support when they’re ill, with expected benefits to the economy by reducing how long people are off sick for.”