How many sick days do UK workers take each year?

The study of more than 1,000 workers, carried out for employee benefits provider MetLife, shows that women are slightly more likely to have suffered a long-term illness, with 26 per cent of female staff taking time off; compared to 21 per cent of males. This totals 23 per cent of Brits – or 6.7m people – having been off sick for longer than a month.

This is a concern for anyone who employs staff, or runs a business, and there have been many studies conducted on the financial cost to companies. But having staff off sick for short or long periods obviously has a negative impact on any sized business, including a small practice, even if the staff include self-employed associates.

The need to have adequate provision in place for illness or injury is not just a concern for employers, but for everyone, whether employed or self-employed.

Tom Gaynor, employee benefits director of MetLife UK, said the findings are worrying since 41 per cent of respondents admit they could not afford to live on Statutory Sick Pay which is currently £86.70 a week. Another 18 per cent believe they could only survive a month.