Worked examples
Bradford Factor Examples
These examples show how the same total number of absence days can produce very different Bradford scores when the absences are split across several occasions.
| Pattern | Calculation | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 occasion, 10 days absent | 1 x 1 x 10 | 10 |
| 3 occasions, 10 days absent | 3 x 3 x 10 | 90 |
| 5 occasions, 10 days absent | 5 x 5 x 10 | 250 |
| 2 occasions, 2.5 days absent | 2 x 2 x 2.5 | 10 |
Why the score changes so quickly
The occasions figure is squared, so each additional absence occasion has a stronger effect than one extra absence day. That is why repeated short-term absences can create a high score even when total absence days are relatively low.
How to use these examples
Use examples as calculation checks, not as disciplinary rules. Employers should define their own trigger points, apply them consistently, and consider individual circumstances before taking action.