Employers Seek to Limit Sick Pay - German employers demand sweeping reforms to curb record sick leave costs
German employers are pushing for major changes to paid sick leave rules. Rainer Dulger, head of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), has called for reforms after sickness-related absences reached record levels in 2024. His proposals include stricter limits on leave duration and tighter checks on medical certificates.
In 2024, employees took an average of 20.8 sick days each, costing businesses €82 billion in compensation. Production losses from absences added another €134 billion to the economic burden. Dulger argued that the current system, which allows six weeks of paid leave per illness with no yearly cap, is unsustainable.
Dulger proposed capping paid sick leave at six weeks per year, regardless of how many separate illnesses occur. He also demanded an end to phone-issued sick notes, suggesting video consultations instead to reduce abuse. Additionally, he wants the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds to review work incapacity claims more frequently and quickly. Another key demand was stopping premium payments for night, Sunday, and overtime work during sick leave. Dulger’s proposals come as Thomas Greiner, president of the Arbeitgeberverband Pflege (AGVP), was re-elected for 2024/2025. Greiner’s association advocates for reforms in care sector sick leave policies, aligning with broader employer concerns.
The reforms aim to cut costs and reduce absenteeism, which has surged in recent years. If implemented, stricter rules on sick leave duration, medical checks, and premium payments could reshape how businesses handle employee illness. Employers hope these changes will ease financial pressures while maintaining workforce productivity.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Sleep Maxxing Trends and Tips: New Zealanders Seek Better Rest
- Over 1.7M in Baden-Württemberg at Poverty Risk, Emmendingen's Housing Crisis Urgent
- Life Expectancy Soars, But Youth Suicide and Substance Abuse Pose Concern
