UK economy lost £92bn worth of productivity in 2019

Due to absenteeism and presenteeism

Adam Saville
clock • 3 min read

Vitality data reveals business impact of ill-health related absence and presenteeism in the workplace

On average, 38 working days were lost by each employee in 2019 due to poor physical and mental health - an estimated £91.9bn loss to the UK economy - new research has suggested. According to the data taken from Vitality's annual Britain's Healthiest Workplace study, this is more than a £10bn increase on 2018's figure. The study, developed in partnership with RAND Europe, the University of Cambridge and Mercer, also found that around £68bn productivity loss last year can be attributed to factors such as poor mental wellbeing and unhealthy lifestyle choices which can be addressed by wor...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Group Protection

Toothfairy to launch workplace dental clinic

Toothfairy to launch workplace dental clinic

On-site dental examinations

Cameron Roberts
clock 07 May 2026 • 1 min read
Over 11m sick notes issued in 2025

Over 11m sick notes issued in 2025

148.8m working days lost due to sickness or injury

Cameron Roberts
clock 05 May 2026 • 2 min read
The protection gap has a clear gender dimension: Swiss Re

The protection gap has a clear gender dimension: Swiss Re

Women in Protection Conference 2026

Jaskeet Briah
clock 30 April 2026 • 3 min read