Bradford Factor calculator (Bradford score)

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.

Bradford Factor trigger points: examples

These example bands match the ones shown in the calculator. The thresholds are your policy choice, not the law. Set out your review period, trigger points and approach to absence clearly in your absence policy.

Example scores and possible employer responses
Bradford scorePossible action
0–50Keep normal absence records and offer support when needed.
51–124Have an informal conversation to understand the absence pattern and any support needed.
125–399Arrange a formal absence review under your policy and discuss possible support or adjustments.
400+Review the circumstances and previous support before deciding any further steps under your policy.

Reaching a trigger point should prompt a review, not automatic disciplinary action. Consider the reasons for absence, pregnancy-related sickness, disability and reasonable adjustments before deciding what happens next.

Source: Acas guidance on absence trigger points.

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.

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Common questions about the Bradford Factor

Quick answers about the formula, trigger points and using scores fairly.

The Bradford Factor is a way to measure patterns of sickness absence. It combines the number of separate absence spells with the total working days missed, giving more weight to frequent short absences than one longer absence. Employers can use it as a starting point for an absence review.

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