Findings reveal that public sector workers are three times more likely to take mental health sick days compared to those in the private sector

Data analysis by The Telegraph reveals that post-pandemic, public sector workers are taking more mental health sick leave than employees working in the private sector. The Latest Labour Force Survey found that in 2022, the sickness absence rate in the public sector was 3.6%, with around one in eight sick days taken for mental health reasons. This contributed to an almost 0.5% loss in total public sector working hours - three times the 0.15% loss in the private sector. 

This crisis is largely thought to be the result of bankruptcies, the struggles to bring down the long NHS waiting lists and overcrowded prisons. Following the pandemic, more people are struggling with their mental health than ever, Helen Whately - the Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary - notes. 

Worryingly, The Telegraph found that NHS England employees took almost 50% (46.5%) more mental health sick leave in 2024 compared to before the pandemic. Local authorities have also witnessed the impact first-hand, with over 6.4 million mental health sick days taken between 2021 and 2024. Additionally, the prison and probation service saw a 23.7% increase in mental health sick leave between March 2023 and March 2024 when compared to the same period in 2022. These services are experiencing poor staff retention and high turnover, with Covid highlighted as a key point in the decline of public sector health and morale. 

With more awareness of the impact of poor mental health on employees’ productivity and wellbeing, employers need to be doing more than ever to support public sector workers. Below we share some useful resources, whether you’re an employer or an employee who has been affected by any of these issues raised.

And remember, if you or someone you know is experiencing work-related stress or find that your mental health is deteriorating as a result of work, know that you are not alone and support is available. Find out how counselling or therapy could help you and connect with a counsellor on Counselling Directory.