Germany is set to implement strict new rules requiring employees to obtain a doctor's note from the very first day they call in sick, under proposals by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The measure aims to boost the economy by reducing what Merz describes as excessively high sick leave rates.
Current rules and proposed changes
Currently, German workers only need a medical certificate from the third day of sick leave. The new proposal would require a sick note from day one. Merz stated: 'The number of sick days is too high. We are creating a set of tools that will enable those involved, both employees and companies, to correct this. We know this is a tough decision. But we can no longer afford the competitive disadvantage caused by prolonged absences from work.'
Impact on sick leave and economy
Germans take an average of about three weeks, or 15 working days, of sick leave per year. Merz argues that reducing these absences is critical for economic competitiveness. The proposal has sparked significant debate among unions, doctors, and political opponents.
Union and doctor reactions
Frank Werneke, head of the services sector union Verdi, accused Merz of creating 'a culture of distrust of employees.' The German Association of Family Physicians warned that the rule would overwhelm general practitioners with unnecessary appointments, stating: 'Our practices would be flooded with patients who don’t need in-person care and would be better off in bed.'
