New analysis from employment law specialists Clifton Ingram has revealed that the South East lost more working days to sickness than any other UK region in 2024, with a staggering 22.5 million sick days recorded.
Drawing on data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the firm’s researchers examined annual sickness absence trends across the UK labour market.
The dataset details working days lost to sickness by region, sex, age group, employment type and illness category, providing a broad view of how absence has affected workplaces nationwide and how those patterns have changed over time.
While the South East’s sickness absence rate stood at 2.1% in 2024, one of the lowest in the country, its total number of days lost outpaced all other regions, including the North West (18.1 million) and London (16.2 million).
In contrast, several regions across the UK recorded a noticeable decline in sickness absence rates over the same period, including the East, Wales and the North East.
Adding to the picture, the firm’s analysis found that sickness absence among women in the South East rose to a 10-year high, reaching 2.7% in 2024, up from 2.3% in 2014. During that time, the number of working days lost by women in the region increased by over 3 million, from 8.7 million to 12.1 million.
Alison Gair, senior associate and head of employment at Clifton Ingram, said: “The exact reasons behind the rise in sickness absence among women in the South East are not entirely clear, but several regional and gender-specific factors may be contributing.
“The rising cost of living in the area, for example, may be placing increased financial and emotional pressure on women, particularly those balancing work with caregiving responsibilities.
“Building on this, childcare in the South East is amongst the most expensive in the country, and with women more likely to take on primary caregiving roles, this added burden can lead to burnout and a greater likelihood of needing time off work.”
The findings also show a marked rise in the number of women taking time off due to mental health conditions over the past decade, while absences for minor illnesses have declined.
The South East’s workforce also includes a high proportion of part-time workers and employees in emotionally demanding sectors such as healthcare, education, and administration – all of which have been linked to higher rates of sickness absence in the national data.
In addition, many women in the region may commute into London, and the combination of lengthy travel times and domestic responsibilities can reduce opportunities for rest and recovery, potentially weakening immune systems and exacerbating mental health challenges.
Alison added: “South East employers need to look beyond headline absence rates and consider the hidden burdens; emotional burnout, sector-specific demands and the complex juggling act many workers face between career and caregiving.
“High total absence days suggest the region’s employers must invest more proactively in mental health support, flexible working structures and sector-informed HR policies.”
