The average percentage of the respondents’ establishment headcount on long-term absence is 4.5% as of the census date 1 May 2016 (comprised of 0.6% on a career break, 1.5% on long-term sickness absence and 2.4% on parental leave).

This compares to an average percentage on long-term absence of 3.8% in the September 2014 census (comprised of 0.2% on a career break, 1.0% on long term sickness absence and 2.6% on maternity leave).

Figure 10. Long-term absence rate by AfC band (n=54)