The introduction of revised sick leave regulations in Germany has sparked widespread criticism from medical professionals, who claim the new rules are bordering on "madness". Under the proposed changes, employees will be required to obtain a doctor's certificate from the outset of their illness, rather than waiting until they have been off work for three days as is currently the case. The move, which is part of broader efforts to revitalise Germany's economy, has been defended by Chancellor Friedrich Merz as necessary to curb what he describes as "exorbitant" levels of sick leave.
The plans, agreed upon by Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Party (CDU) and their coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), aim to tackle Germany's high rate of sick leave, which averages around 18 days per employee annually – one of the highest in the European Union. However, medical organisations have vehemently opposed the changes, arguing that they will lead to overcrowded waiting rooms and force thousands of unwell individuals to attend doctors' surgeries unnecessarily.
The KBV, a national association representing statutory health insurance physicians, has described the requirement as "bordering on madness", while warning that it would divert resources away from more pressing healthcare needs. The Association of General Practitioners has echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential for minor ailments to be incorrectly diagnosed and treated in an overburdened healthcare system.
Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has sought to ease tensions by indicating a desire for "workable solutions", while Labour Minister Bärbel Bas has expressed intentions to investigate the practicality of requiring a doctor's certificate on the first day of illness. Conversely, Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU's parliamentary group, has defended the reforms, citing Germany's high rate of sick leave and arguing that it is essential to prevent abuse of the system.
The current system in Germany generally allows employees to remain off work without a doctor's certificate for up to three days, though employers can request one earlier if needed. The proposed shift marks a significant policy change, aiming to curb absence rates but risking substantial strain on the country's healthcare infrastructure and potential inconvenience for patients.