Mental illness is the second largest cause of time lost due to sickness in UK businesses with stress, depression, and anxiety accounting for more than 50% of these mental health problems, according to a report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

It found that employees take on average 21 days for each mental health related sickness. The average length of time off for an employee suffering depression is 30 days, the average absence for someone suffering from stress is 21 days and the average for anxiety is 21 days.

It found that employees working in the public sector take on average 24 days for each mental health related absence, compared with 24 days for private sector employees.

Ben Willmott, CIPD employee relations adviser, says: "This research shows how important it is for managers and HR practitioners to be aware of the signs of mental ill health so that they can take action early and provide support before the individual's condition deteriorates to the point they go off on long-term sick leave.”

The research found that men take on average 20 days for each mental health absence, compared with 22 days for women.