Britain’s tax collection system faces a severe crisis as new data reveals HMRC staff sick days have reached alarming levels while millions of taxpayer calls remain unanswered annually. This concerning trend directly impacts business owners and individuals seeking essential tax guidance.
HMRC Staff Sick Days: The Alarming Statistics
Recent Freedom of Information data exposes that HMRC employees took 551,064 sick days between August 2024 and July 2025. Consequently, this represents an average of eight sick days per employee across the 65,000-strong workforce. Moreover, the three-year total reaches 1.6 million lost days, creating substantial operational challenges.
Impact on Taxpayer Services
The high rate of HMRC staff sick days directly correlates with service delivery problems. Specifically, tax office director Jonathan Athow admitted to MPs that approximately four million calls go unanswered yearly. This service gap occurs while £46.8 billion in owed taxes remains uncollected, creating significant revenue shortfalls.
Industry and Political Reactions
Business groups and opposition politicians have expressed sharp criticism regarding the HMRC staff sick days situation. Helen Whately, shadow work and pensions secretary, described the figures as “shocking,” emphasizing the unfair burden on taxpayers. Similarly, the TaxPayers’ Alliance attacked what it termed a “sick note culture” across Whitehall departments.
Broader Civil Service Trends
The HMRC staff sick days issue reflects wider problems within the UK civil service. Analysis shows civil servants now take more long-term sick leave than during the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, NHS England reported over 11 million sick notes issued in 2022-23, indicating a systemic health and productivity challenge.
Digital Solutions and Government Response
An HMRC spokesperson defended the organization’s performance, noting that sickness rates align with UK workforce averages. The government is investing £500 million in digital services to reduce phone dependency. However, critics argue that digital transformation cannot fully replace essential human support for complex tax matters.
FAQs: HMRC Staff Sick Days and Service Impact
How many sick days do HMRC staff take annually?
HMRC employees took 551,064 sick days between August 2024 and July 2025, averaging eight days per employee.
How many taxpayer calls go unanswered each year?
Approximately 3-4 million calls to HMRC go unanswered annually, creating significant service gaps.
What is the financial impact of uncollected taxes?
£46.8 billion in owed taxes remains uncollected, partly due to service capacity issues.
How does HMRC’s sickness rate compare to national averages?
HMRC states its sickness rates align with UK workforce averages, despite the high number of lost days.
What solutions is the government implementing?
The government is investing £500 million in digital services to reduce phone dependency and improve accessibility.
How are businesses affected by HMRC service issues?
Businesses face delays in receiving essential tax guidance, potentially leading to compliance errors and financial penalties.
