West Midlands Police Stress-Related Sick Days Surge 45% Over Four Years
A Freedom of Information request has uncovered a significant rise in stress-related absences among West Midlands Police officers, with sick days increasing by over 45% in just four years. The data, obtained by BirminghamLive, shows a troubling trend in officer wellbeing within the force.
Sharp Increase in Absence Figures
The figures reveal that between 2022 and 2025, the number of days taken off due to stress jumped from 15,918 days to 23,150 days, marking a substantial 45.4% increase. In 2025 alone, stress accounted for the highest number of absent days in the past five years, with 23,150 days lost.
Looking at the broader timeline, 2024 saw 19,531 stress-related sick days, slightly lower than the 19,883 days recorded in 2023. However, the overall upward trend is clear, with 2022 starting at 15,918 days. Notably, in just under three and a half months leading up to March 11 of this year, officers have already taken 4,257 days off due to stress, indicating the issue remains pressing.
Force Response and Support Measures
West Midlands Police acknowledges the inherently challenging and high-risk nature of policing roles. In response to the rising absences, the force has implemented various supportive measures to address officer wellbeing.
These include:
- Counselling support for officers dealing with traumatic incidents
- General health checks to monitor physical and mental health
- A 24/7 wellbeing service providing round-the-clock assistance
The force emphasizes a robust approach to managing absences, with appropriate interventions and ongoing support to help resolve issues. A spokesperson stated, "West Midlands Police has a committed workforce, and we know the majority of officers and police staff have excellent levels of attendance and continue to work to the highest standards."
Recent Trends and Average Days Off
Despite the overall increase, the force notes some positive developments in recent data. Over the last few years, there has been an expansion in the number of police officers within WMP. Interestingly, the number of days taken off for stress-related sickness reduced in 2024/25 compared to the previous year.
In 2023/2024, the average number of days off per officer was 38.3, which decreased to an average of 36.0 days in 2024/25. This slight improvement suggests that ongoing support efforts may be having an effect, though the long-term trend remains concerning.
The force remains committed to working with staff to address wellbeing challenges, ensuring officers receive the necessary support to maintain their health while serving the community.
