science
Germany to Require Doctor's Note on First Day of Illness
The coalition government announced changes to sick-leave rules that will require workers to obtain a doctor's note on the first day of illness. The measure ends a pandemic-era policy allowing phone certificates and applies to all employers.
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Germany's coalition government announced changes requiring workers to provide a doctor's note on the first day of illness rather than on the fourth day under current rules. The changes also end the option for workers to obtain certificates by phone, a measure introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials said the number of sick days is too high and creates a competitive disadvantage.
A national association representing statutory health insurance physicians said forcing patients to visit surgeries for routine certificates borders on madness. The group stated that people with coughs or gastrointestinal infections belong in bed, not in overcrowded waiting rooms.
The Association of General Practitioners warned that cases previously handled with one or two days of rest would now fill doctors' offices.
The leader of the Social
Democrats said the party is seeking workable solutions and will examine whether the first-day requirement produces the intended effect. The labour minister stated the proposal did not originate with her ministry. A leader of the Christian Democratic Party's parliamentary group defended the plan, noting Germany's average of 18 sick days per employee per year ranks among the highest in the EU.
The measures form part of broader tax, labour and pension reforms intended to strengthen the economy.
