King's College London

Today the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce at King's publishes a major analysis of sickness absence across NHS trusts in England.

The authors, led by Dr Mary Baginsky, highlight sickness absence as a persistent and system-wide challenge rather than an isolated organisational issue. Drawing on national data, literature and in-depth discussions with trusts and system leaders, the study shows that absence rates – typically between 5-7 per cent – remain elevated following the COVID-19 pandemic. Variation between trusts reflects a complex interplay of factors including workforce pressures, leadership, workplace culture, and wider social determinants such as deprivation and health inequalities.

The findings emphasize that sickness absence is best understood as an indicator of wider system strain, closely linked to staff wellbeing, workforce stability, and patient outcomes. While trusts are implementing a range of initiatives, from compassionate management approaches to enhanced occupational health support, their impact depends heavily on local leadership, consistency and organisational alignment. The report highlights the need for coordinated, whole-system responses that prioritize prevention, improve working conditions, strengthen management capability and align policy with workforce wellbeing to support a sustainable NHS workforce.

This publication

Baginsky, M., Norrie, C., Semkina, A., Samsi, K., & Boaz, A. (2026) Management of Sickness Absence in NHS Trusts, London: NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce, The Policy Institute, King's College London.

This study (project page) is part of the NIHR Policy Research Unit's core work in its 2024-2028 contract.