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What explains Wales’ higher sickness absence rate compared to other regions?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Using data from the 2023 Annual Population Survey this paper explores explanations for the higher rate of sickness absence in Wales compared to the UK average. The paper isolates the role of differences in workforce composition from unobserved drivers of regional differences in sickness absence. While unexplained regional gaps in sickness absence exist between Wales and some other UK regions, particularly London and the South East, these are by no means universal. In most cases, after accounting for differences in the characteristics of jobs known to influence absence, sickness absence rates in Wales are similar to other UK regions.

Source: Welsh Economic Review

DOI: 10.18573/wer.276

Authors: Julia Diniz, Melanie Jones

Language: English

Topic: Workplace Health and Well-being

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7124151265

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