20/05/2026
Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s important to recognise the growing impact mental health is having across UK workplaces 💚
According to the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 148.8 million working days were lost to sickness or injury across the UK in 2025, with mental health conditions accounting for 8.9% of all sickness absence cases.
In the Civil Service alone, mental ill-health was the largest cause of long-term sickness absence in 2025, responsible for nearly half of all long-term absences.
At Gravesham Friendly, eligible members signed off work due to mental health may be able to claim up to £250 per week through their income protection benefit. Members may also be able to use discretionary benefits towards therapy and wellbeing support.
Providing financial support during recovery can help reduce additional stress and provide greater stability during difficult periods.
Find out more at www.graveshamfriendly.co.uk
Sources: Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Sickness absence in the UK labour market, 2025. UK Government – Civil Service sickness absence report, 2025.
Example scenario only. Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply.
