Majority of UK workforce went to work while unwell in 2017 - Bupa

clock • 1 min read

With sick leave at its lowest for decades, new Bupa research has suggested millions of employees headed into work last year, despite being unwell, feeling pain or suffering from mental illness.

Two-thirds (64%) of UK employees have gone into work within the last 12 months despite feeling unwell, while a third (27%) have ignored their doctor's advice to stay at home, research by Bupa has revealed. The percentage of those working while suffering from musculoskeletal issues, such as back and neck ache, was 34% - and 29% endured stress, depression and anxiety while in the workplace. The findings come after the latest government figures (2016) showed sick leave at its lowest since records began in 1993. But with most employers pushing for increased productivity in 2018, Bupa's...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Protection

Chesnara to close HSBC Life UK to new protection business

Chesnara to close HSBC Life UK to new protection business

Follows £260m acquisition

Jaskeet Briah
clock 04 February 2026 • 3 min read
Targeted support: FCA opens door to protection inclusion

Targeted support: FCA opens door to protection inclusion

Could help address protection gap

Cameron Roberts
clock 29 January 2026 • 2 min read
FCA Pure Protection Market Study: No interventionist remedies proposed

FCA Pure Protection Market Study: No interventionist remedies proposed

The regulator pledged to release its final report in Q3 2026

Cameron Roberts
clock 29 January 2026 • 4 min read