Four in five workers under 25 admit taking at least one “sickie” in the past year when not too unwell to work – almost double those aged 55 to 64
More than half of under-25s say late nights or hangovers contribute to sickies
Employers urged to recognise the commitment and experience of Britain’s older workforce by new commission of celebrities, experts and cross-party politicians
Older workers are half as likely as their younger colleagues to pull a sickie, according to new polling from a leading think tank.
The polling, conducted by Merlin Strategy for the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), defined a “sickie” as telling an employer you were too unwell to work when your symptoms were not, in fact, serious enough to prevent you from working.
More than four in five workers aged 18 to 24 (82 per cent) admitted they had taken at least one sickie during the past 12 months, compared to around two in five (43 per cent) of those aged 55 to 64.
Two in five under-25s (39 per cent) reported taking sickies on at least five days during the past year, compared to just one in ten older workers.
The polling also reveals a striking generational divide in the reasons workers gave for pulling a sickie. Almost four in five under-25s (79 per cent) said being “too tired” had contributed to taking unnecessary time off, compared with 40 per cent of workers aged 55 to 64.
More than half (54 per cent) of under-25s said attending a job interview or doing other work had played a part, while 52 per cent cited social reasons such as a late night or hangover.
Among those aged 55 to 64, the equivalent figures were just 12 per cent and 19 per cent respectively.
The findings form part of the CSJ’s Beyond Midlife Commission, chaired by wellbeing entrepreneur Liz Earle MBE and bringing together public figures including Penny Lancaster and Angela Rippon alongside cross-party politicians and experts.
The Commission is examining how Britain can help people approaching midlife and beyond to stay healthy, financially secure and economically active.
It was founded after the CSJ revealed that a record 2.15 million people aged 50 to 64 are now receiving out-of-work benefits – more than 600,000 above the number before the pandemic. Fewer than two in every 100 are required to look for employment.
Nikita Malik, Head of Work and Opportunity at the Centre for Social Justice, said:
“Workers in their fifties and above bring enormous experience and commitment to the workplace, and our polling shows they are much less likely than younger colleagues to take unnecessary time off.
“Britain cannot afford to discard people who still have so much to contribute. If the Prime Minister wants to unlock growth and tackle economic inactivity, Britain’s workforce in their midlife and beyond must be seen as part of the solution.”
The Beyond Midlife Commission brings together public figures, politicians, employers and organisations working directly with people in their 50s and 60s.
Alongside chair Liz Earle MBE, commissioners include broadcaster Angela Rippon, television presenter Penny Lancaster, Labour MP Carolyn Harris, Conservative MP Joe Robertson, former Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Ashworth, Hallmark Foundation founder Avnish Goyal CBE, and Lowell managing director Kathryn Morgan.
The Commission is developing practical recommendations to help people remain active as workers, carers, taxpayers and volunteers throughout the second half of their lives. It will report in Autumn 2026.
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