The top reasons that NHS staff are missing work

Health specialist Sarah McCann talks through the latest figures on NHS absence.

Transcript

00:00Hi, I'm health reporter Sarah McCann.

00:03New research carried out by personal injury experts Claims.co.uk has found that since

00:08December 2023, psychiatric illnesses have been the leading cause of NHS staff absences.

00:1425.6% of staff named their cause of absence as psychiatric illness, ranging from stress

00:20to anxiety and depression.

00:23Other common causes of NHS staff absences included influenza, cold and coughs coming

00:27in second at 15.3%, musculoskeletal problems coming in third at 8.2% and gastrointestinal

00:35issues coming in fourth at 7.3%.

00:38Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for NHS England said, there is a range of

00:42mental health support available for staff, including access to 24-7 confidential services,

00:48coaching and flexible work options, but we know there is more to do to ensure everyone

00:53working in the NHS feels comfortable asking for help and receives the right support when

00:59they do.