Mental Health Challenges Lead to High Sickness Rates at Council

Mental health issues have emerged as the primary cause for staff absenteeism at West Berkshire Council. Recent figures indicate that mental health conditions account for 29 percent of all sickness absences, whether long-term or short-term. While there has been a decrease in long-term sickness, it still constitutes 53.9 percent of all absences, translating to 3,678.5 days lost.

Absenteeism affects employees in various ways. Long-term sickness is defined as any absence exceeding 28 calendar days, with mental health issues frequently cited as the leading cause. Short-term absences, on the other hand, typically involve minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, flu, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.

Trends in Workplace Absenteeism

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported a general decline in sickness absence across all sectors. According to their latest survey, published in June 2025, the percentage of working hours lost due to sickness or injury fell to 2 percent in 2024. This marks a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to pre-coronavirus levels in 2019. In total, an estimated 148.9 million working days were lost in the UK in 2024 due to these issues.

The CIPD Wellbeing at Work report, released in September 2025 and supported by Simply Health, reveals that average absence levels are on the rise, now averaging 9.4 days per employee annually. The public sector continues to experience the highest rates, with employees taking an average of 13.3 days off each year.

Council’s Response to Absenteeism

In response to these concerning trends, West Berkshire Council’s human resources team is actively working to reduce sickness absence rates. Ongoing policy reviews and training programs for line managers are part of their strategy to improve employee wellbeing and attendance. The council acknowledges the significant impact that mental health can have on productivity and morale within the workplace.

The statistics reflect a broader issue affecting many organizations across the UK. As mental health continues to be a critical factor in employee absenteeism, councils and other public-sector organizations are prioritizing mental health support and resources.

The rising trend of workplace absenteeism, particularly related to mental health, underscores the need for ongoing attention and action. As councils like West Berkshire adapt their approaches, the focus remains on fostering a healthier work environment for all employees.