Guernsey public sector sickness absence rises to 67,000 days in 2025
- Sickness absence across Guernsey's public service reached 67,000 days in 2025, up from 63,000 in 2024 and 60,000 in 2023
- Average sickness absence per employee rose to 11.4 days in 2025, compared to 11.0 days in 2024 and 10.8 days in 2023
- Long-term sickness absence now accounts for 52 per cent of all sickness days, with 117 employees on long-term absence as at 31 December 2025
- Non-work-related stress accounts for around 20 per cent of all sickness absence and 25 per cent of long-term absence
- Guernsey's absence rates sit between Jersey's 8.8 days and Northern Ireland's 13.4 days per employee, though direct comparisons are difficult due to different workforce compositions
Sickness absence across Guernsey's public service has risen to approximately 67,000 days in 2025, up from 63,000 days in 2024 and 60,000 days in 2023, according to figures released by the States of Guernsey.
The data, provided in response to questions from Deputy Andy Cameron, shows that the average number of sickness absence days per employee across all staff groups stood at 11.4 days in 2025, compared to 11.0 days in 2024 and 10.8 days in 2023.
The figures cover all 17 staff groups within the public service, including health, social care, education, law enforcement and other frontline services. The average headcount increased from 5,513 employees in 2023 to 5,887 in 2025.
Long-term sickness absence, defined as an absence of four consecutive weeks or more, now accounts for 52 per cent of all sickness days, up from 48 per cent in 2024 and 47 per cent in 2023. As at 31 December 2025, there were 117 employees across the whole public service on long-term sickness absence, with an average duration of 60 days.
Non-work-related stress remains the primary driver of absence, consistently accounting for around 20 per cent of sickness absence overall and approximately 25 per cent of long-term sickness absence. Work-related stress accounts for around 11 per cent of sickness absence overall and approximately 17 per cent of long-term sickness absence. Other trends reflect seasonal issues, such as short-term absences across the winter period relating to coughs, colds or flu.
When compared to other jurisdictions, Guernsey's figures sit between those of Jersey and Northern Ireland. The States of Jersey, excluding health workers, recorded 8.8 days per employee in 2024 and 7.1 days in 2023. Northern Ireland's civil service recorded 13.4 days in 2025, 13.8 days in 2024 and 12.3 days in 2023. The NHS average stands at 12 days per employee.
The States of Guernsey cautioned against direct comparisons with other organisations due to differences in workforce composition. Guernsey's workforce includes health and social care professionals, including large clinical and frontline groups that do not form part of other organisations such as the States of Jersey.
Extensive support is available to employees experiencing ill health, with a focus on remaining at or returning to work. This includes regular contact between the line manager and employee during any period of absence, access to the Employee Assistance Programme, including referrals to counselling, and referral to the Occupational Health Service where appropriate.
Managers hold return-to-work discussions following periods of sickness absence, giving employees the opportunity to raise concerns and discuss whether adjustments to their role or working environment may support recovery and sustained attendance at work.
Managers and the HR function use management information, including category and frequency, and Bradford Factor scores to monitor and act on absences. This supports early and proportionate actions and ensures a consistent approach from support to closer supervision or capability management where necessary.
Sickness absence information forms part of routine workforce monitoring and is reported internally quarterly. Organisation-wide figures are included in the corporate quarterly monitoring report, enabling trends to be analysed and consideration given to any additional initiatives or interventions. The Committee receives the quarterly monitoring report.
The response to Deputy Cameron's question was received on 7 April 2026 and replied to on 22 April 2026.
Key terms
Q&A
Q: How many sickness absence days were recorded across Guernsey's public service in 2025?
A: Approximately 67,000 sickness absence days were recorded in 2025, up from 63,000 in 2024 and 60,000 in 2023.
Q: What proportion of sickness absence is long-term versus short-term?
A: Long-term sickness absence (defined as four consecutive weeks or more) accounts for 52 per cent of all sickness days in 2025, whilst short-term absence accounts for 48 per cent. This represents an increase in long-term absence from 48 per cent in 2024.
Q: What are the main causes of sickness absence in Guernsey's public service?
A: Non-work-related stress consistently accounts for around 20 per cent of sickness absence overall and approximately 25 per cent of long-term absence. Work-related stress accounts for around 11 per cent overall and 17 per cent of long-term absence. Other causes include seasonal issues such as coughs, colds and flu during winter.
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