Calculate Bradford Factor absence scores using the S² × D formula. Add each separate absence episode, enter the days, and instantly see the score and formal action trigger level.
Formula: S² × D
S = 3 episodes | D = 6 total days
3² × 6 = 54
54
3 episodes · 6 total days
No formal action
6 more days of absence (keeping 3 episodes) would reach the next threshold of 100.
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The Bradford Factor is one of the most widely used absence management tools in UK HR. It assigns a numerical score to each employee's absence pattern, helping managers identify those whose short-term absence is causing disproportionate operational disruption.
Bradford Factor = S² × D
Where:
The key insight is that S is squared. This means frequent short absences generate exponentially higher scores than a single long absence with the same total days.
| Absence Pattern | Episodes (S) | Total Days (D) | Score (S² × D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 10-day illness | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Two 5-day absences | 2 | 10 | 40 |
| Five 2-day absences | 5 | 10 | 250 |
| Ten 1-day absences | 10 | 10 | 1,000 |
| Three absences (1+2+3 days) | 3 | 6 | 54 |
Different organisations use different thresholds. The most common structure is:
The Bradford Factor is a management aid, not a legal process. Employers must:
The Bradford Factor works best as part of a broader absence management policy. Use it alongside SSP calculations to understand the cost of absence, and factor sick pay liabilities into your overall employee cost planning.
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