The Bradford Factor scores absence as S x S x D, where S is the number of separate absence spells and D the total days absent, usually over 52 weeks. Ten one-day absences score 1,000, while one 10-day absence scores 10. ACAS says there are no legal rules on when absence is reviewed.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 5 NOVEMBER 2026
- The Bradford Factor is S x S x D: spells of absence squared, times total days absent.
- It weights frequent short absences far more heavily than one long absence.
- Ten one-day absences score 1,000; a single 10-day absence scores 10.
- No UK law sets or requires it, and ACAS does not name it in its guidance.
- Disability-related absence may need different review points under the Equality Act 2010.
Bradford Factor at a glance
| Item | Detail |
| Formula | S x S x D |
| Usual period | Rolling 52 weeks |
| One 10-day absence | Score 10 |
| Ten one-day absences | Score 1,000 |
| Legal status | No legal rules on absence review points |
Source: ACAS: absence trigger points
KEY FACTS
- Formula: S x S x D, where S is the number of absence spells and D the total days absent.
- Ten one-day absences: 10 x 10 x 10 = 1,000.
- Legal position: ACAS says there are no legal rules about how or when absence is reviewed (ACAS).
- Disability: review points may need adjusting, or disability-related absence left out (ACAS).
- UK sickness absence rate: 2.0% in 2025, 4.4 days per worker (ONS).
What the Bradford Factor is
The Bradford Factor is a score used by some employers to measure sickness absence. It is calculated as S x S x D, where S is the number of separate spells of absence and D is the total number of days absent, usually over a rolling 52 weeks. Because the number of spells is squared, frequent short absences raise the score much faster than a single long absence.
No UK law defines or requires the Bradford Factor, and ACAS guidance on absence does not name it. ACAS describes absence review points, also called trigger points, in general terms.
How to calculate a Bradford Factor score
The Bradford Factor score is calculated by multiplying the number of spells of absence (S) by itself and then by the total number of days lost (D), giving the formula S x S x D. One continuous absence of 10 days gives S = 1 and D = 10, so the score is 1 x 1 x 10 = 10.
Two absences totalling 6 days give 2 x 2 x 6 = 24. Five one-day absences give 5 x 5 x 5 = 125. Ten one-day absences give 10 x 10 x 10 = 1,000.
In the last example the days lost are the same as the single 10-day absence, but the score is 100 times higher.
| Absence pattern | Spells (S) | Days (D) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 10-day absence | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Two absences totalling 6 days | 2 | 6 | 24 |
| Five one-day absences | 5 | 5 | 125 |
| Ten one-day absences | 10 | 10 | 1,000 |
Source: Kael Tripton calculation using the standard S x S x D formula
Trigger points and the law
ACAS states that there are no legal rules about how or when absence is reviewed. ACAS also states that review points are not meant to trigger disciplinary action automatically; they are a prompt for a conversation about the absence.
A 2021 petition asking Parliament to ban dismissals based on Bradford Factor scores was rejected. The government reply said that any metrics employers use to decide when to dismiss are a matter for individual employers.
According to ACAS, pregnancy-related absence and mental health absence may also need a different approach.
Disability and reasonable adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, an employer must make reasonable adjustments for a disabled employee. ACAS states that a disabled employee could reach an organisation's review points more quickly, and lists adjusting the review points or recording disability-related absence separately as examples of adjustments.
Failing to make reasonable adjustments, or treating someone unfavourably because of absence linked to disability, risks a discrimination claim.
How much sickness absence is normal
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) put the UK sickness absence rate at 2.0% in 2025, with 148.8 million working days lost, equal to 4.4 days per worker. All three figures were unchanged from 2024. The ONS published these figures on 1 May 2026 as official statistics in development.
Minor illnesses were the most common reason for sickness absence, at 30.4% of absences, according to the ONS.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Sickness absence rate | 2.0% |
| Working days lost | 148.8 million |
| Days lost per worker | 4.4 |
| Most common reason | Minor illnesses (30.4%) |
Source: ONS: Sickness absence in the UK labour market, 1 May 2026
RELATED GUIDES
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bradford Factor formula?
The Bradford Factor formula is S x S x D. The number of separate absence spells is squared and then multiplied by the total days absent, usually calculated over a 52 week period.
What is a high Bradford Factor score?
There is no legal or official threshold for a high Bradford Factor score. Each employer sets its own review points. Ten one day absences score 1,000, while one 10 day absence scores 10.
Is the Bradford Factor a legal requirement?
No. ACAS says there are no legal rules about how or when absence is reviewed, and no UK law requires the Bradford Factor.
Can a Bradford Factor score lead to dismissal?
ACAS says review points are not meant to trigger disciplinary action automatically. A 2021 government reply to a petition said metrics used to decide dismissals are a matter for employers.
Does disability absence count towards a Bradford Factor score?
Under the Equality Act 2010 employers must make reasonable adjustments. ACAS gives adjusting review points or recording disability related absence separately as examples.
SOURCES
- ACAS: Absence trigger points, accessed 5 November 2026
- ACAS: Disability-related absence, accessed 5 November 2026
- ACAS: Absence from work, accessed 5 November 2026
- ONS: Sickness absence in the UK labour market, 1 May 2026, accessed 5 November 2026
- UK Parliament petition 600722 and government response, 2021, accessed 5 November 2026
