Psychiatric illness remains leading cause of NHS staff absence, data finds

Psychiatric illness is the main cause of NHS staff absences, making up 25.6% of all absences, according to research from Claims.co.uk.

The personal injury experts examined NHS data to determine the most common causes of all NHS staff absences from December 2023.

Overall, 5.5% of staff were off sick during the period studied. 

Psychiatric illnesses ranged from anxiety, stress and depression.

Flu, cold and cough were named in 15.3% of absent employees, while musculoskeletal problems were the next named cause of staff absences, with 8.2% of employees out of work affected.

In fourth place was gastrointestinal problems, with 7.3% of absent NHS staff affected by these issues.

Other unknown causes were named as the cause for 6% of those who are off work, placing this cause of staff absence in fifth. 

A spokesperson from Claims.co.uk, said: “Working in the NHS can be a highly demanding job, and there is widespread workforce shortages and staff burnout due to the consistent pressure put upon them.