As Germany plans to tighten controls on what it considers excessive sick leave, how do regulations on sick pay and medical certificates vary across Europe?
From the very first day of illness, Germans will have to provide a medical certificate to justify their absence due to sickness.
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This measure is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent initiatives aimed at boosting economic performance.
At present, employees can be absent up to three days without submitting any medical proof, which can itself be obtained without necessarily visiting a physician. Moreover, those on sick leave receive their full wages for up to six weeks.
Merz has often voiced concerns about Germany’s high absenteeism rate and its negative impact on workplace efficiency.
However, these changes prompt comparisons with other European nations regarding the ease of taking sick leave and the level of compensation provided.
Poland: Mandatory evaluations after two weeks of sickness
Germany is not the only country aiming to curb potential misuse of sick leave; neighboring Poland is also reinforcing its control measures.
In Poland, sick pay is set at 80% of the salary from day one, increasing to 100% if the illness or injury is work-related.
Authorities in Warsaw have introduced compulsory medical assessments after the initial 14 days of sick leave to deter abuse.
UK: Generous flexibility but limited compensation
Several European countries allow employees more time than Germany before requiring a medical certificate.
In the United Kingdom, workers must provide a sick note only if their absence exceeds seven consecutive days. Supporters argue this policy minimizes unnecessary doctor visits for minor ailments, reduces contagion risk in waiting rooms, and conserves resources for the overstretched National Health Service.
Nevertheless, the statutory minimum sick pay in the UK is just £123 (€144) per week, although some employers might offer higher rates depending on contract terms.
France, Italy, and Spain: Variations in regulations
In France, employees have 48 hours to submit a medical certificate. Statutory sick pay compensates 50% of the worker’s daily base salary, subject to a capped amount, with possible top-ups by employers for eligible staff.
Spain offers one of the most favorable short-term sick pay schemes: no compensation for the first three days, 60% pay for one month, increasing to 75% after 20 days off.
Italy presents a more complex system: workers must submit a sick note within 48 hours, but payment during the first three days depends on individual contracts.
From the fourth day through the first month’s end, employees are paid 50% of their salary, which rises to approximately 67% over the following five months.
In the hospitality sector, the compensation rate is around 80% for the entire duration.
Sweden: No documentation needed for up to one week
Sweden permits employees up to eight days before requiring a sick note, which also does not need to specify the illness.
Workers receive 80% of their salary from day one for up to 14 days.
After this period, they must apply for sick pay benefits via the social insurance agency Försäkringskassan.
Hungary: Medical certificates required immediately
Budapest enforces stricter regulations, demanding a medical certificate from the first day of sick leave, aligning with Germany’s forthcoming policy.
Hungarian employees typically obtain 70% of their salary during the first 15 days of illness, then receive between 50% and 60% thereafter.
In summary, European countries differ greatly in their leniency regarding sick note requirements and the generosity of sick pay systems.
Nonetheless, Europe’s social safety measures generally provide stronger support than the United States, where less than half of the states have legislation mandating sick pay.