Bradford Factor calculator
See how frequent short absences can affect an employee’s Bradford Factor score.
- Uses the standard B = S x S x D formula
- Shows how separate absences affect the score
- Includes example trigger points used by UK employers
Calculate a Bradford Factor score
Add the number of separate absences and the total working days missed during the review period. Many employers use a rolling 52 weeks.
Count each period of absence separately, even when it only lasts one day.
Add up the working days missed across all of those absences.
Score
- Bradford Factor score
- 63
- Separate absences (S)
- 3
- Total days absent (D)
- 7
- Same days as one spell
- 7
Example trigger band: Informal review
Worth an informal conversation to understand the pattern.
How this was calculated
32 × 7 = 63
Example trigger bands
- No action0–50
- Informal review51–124
- Formal review125–399
- High concern400+
The Bradford Factor is a management tool, not a legal requirement. Trigger points vary between employers. Always consider the reason for each absence and the employee’s circumstances before taking action. Acas guidance on managing absence.
How the Bradford Factor works
The Bradford Factor gives more weight to frequent short absences than one longer absence covering the same number of days.
The formula is B = S x S x D
S is the number of separate absences and D is the total number of days missed. Multiplying the absences by themselves means the score rises quickly when someone is off often.
Same days can score very differently
One absence lasting 10 days scores 10. Ten separate one-day absences score 1,000. The number of days is the same, but the pattern is different.
Thresholds are a policy choice
There is no official Bradford Factor scale. Some UK employers use scores around 50, 124, 399 and 400 as points to review an absence record. Set your own trigger points clearly in your absence policy.
Use it carefully
A score should start a fair conversation, not lead straight to disciplinary action. Take disability, pregnancy, long-term health conditions and personal circumstances into account.
Common questions about the Bradford Factor
Quick answers about the formula, trigger points and using scores fairly.
The formula is B = S x S x D. S is the number of separate absences and D is the total number of days missed during the same period.
Many employers use a rolling 52-week period. Whatever period you choose, use it consistently for everyone.
There is no legal definition of a high score. Example policies often use 51 to 124 for an informal review, 125 to 399 for a formal review, and 400 or more for a higher level of concern. Your own policy should explain what each score means.
No. Use it alongside accurate absence records and return-to-work conversations. Always consider health, disability and personal circumstances before deciding what to do next.
Yes, but count the employee’s contracted working days rather than calendar days. Some employers also adjust their trigger points for part-time working patterns.
It uses the standard B = S x S x D formula. The trigger points are examples only. Your absence policy should explain what happens next.
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