The true cost of absences related to mental health revealed

Mental health is the second biggest reason for absence in the UK.

In 2012, UK businesses lost an average of £854 per employee over absences related to mental health. This figure has since risen to £942.

Research by Firstcare recorded the absence details of over 160,000 UK employees over nine years, identifying the industries, age groups and genders most affected.

The data revealed that staff within the NHS, council groups and housing associations have the highest levels of absence related to mental health.