Self-employed workers record 35% fewer sick days than employees

MetLife UK research found

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 2 min read

Self-employed individuals have taken 35% fewer sick days than employed workers due to the potential loss of income, MetLife UK has found.

According to the provider's Everyday Risk Report, 13% of the UK's workforce is self-employed, the equivalent of 4.23 million people. On average, self-employed individuals have been taking 3.9 sick days per year, compared to employed individuals who have taken an average of six days per year. MetLife noted that self-employed individuals typically earn less at the highest levels of income than those employed. Around 69% of the self-employed earned over £30,000 a year, compared to 81% of employees, therefore MetLife said this cohort is more financially vulnerable. The self-employed were ...

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 Individual Protection

One in five adults have made panic-driven financial decisions

One in five adults have made panic-driven financial decisions

Link between financial education and levels of anxiety

Jaskeet Briah
clock 24 February 2026 • 1 min read
CIExpert to expand Critical Thinking report to IP market

CIExpert to expand Critical Thinking report to IP market

Report slated for 12 March, 2026

Jaskeet Briah
clock 24 February 2026 • 2 min read
80% of adults believe younger generations are worse off today

80% of adults believe younger generations are worse off today

24% regret not having started to save sooner

Jaskeet Briah
clock 23 February 2026 • 2 min read