German Row Over Plan for Workers to Need Sick Note on First Day of Illness

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: A row has broken out in Germany after the coalition government announced changes to sick-leave rules, requiring Germans to provide a doctor's note to their employers on the first day of their illness.

The changes also mean workers will not be able to obtain the note by phone, scrapping a measure brought in due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The number of sick days in Germany is too high," said Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Under the current rules, a certificate is only required if a person is unfit for work for more than three days – in other words, on the fourth day, although employers are entitled to request the sick note earlier.

The plans were agreed by Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Party (CDU) and his coalition partner the Social Democrats (SPD).

"This is a tough decision," the chancellor said. "But we can no longer afford this competitive disadvantage caused by long periods of absence from work."

Merz said the government would not accept what he called "exorbitant" levels of sick leave in the wake of the pandemic.

Germany was "returning to the arrangements we had before the coronavirus pandemic," he told ARD TV on Thursday night.

"At the same time, it is up to individual businesses to agree on other arrangements as well."

Medical groups have strongly criticised the plans.

The KBV, a national association representing statutory health insurance physicians, said that it "bordered on madness" to force thousands of people to visit doctors' surgeries simply to fill in forms.

"Anyone who is coughing or has a gastrointestinal infection belongs in bed – not in an overcrowded surgery," it said in a statement.

The Association of General Practitioners warned that infection cases – which would only have required one or two days in bed – would fill up doctors' waiting rooms.

The leader of the SPD, Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, attempted to calm the situation, telling RTL TV he was looking for "workable solutions".

"We now need to put sensible arrangements in place for what has been proposed in the coalition committee," he said.

Labour Minister Bärbel Bas, also from the SPD, said she would investigate the requirement to provide a doctor's certificate on the first day of illness.

"That wasn't my proposal," Bas told RTL.

"We will look into whether this actually has any effect at all, or whether it is more likely to cause difficulties."

But Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU's parliamentary group, defended the plans.

He said Germany's rate of sick leave was among the steepest in the EU.

"We have one of the highest numbers of sick days – around 18 per year per employee," he said.

"And those who are genuinely ill should, of course, be able to stay at home."

The changes were agreed as part of sweeping tax, labour and pension reforms aimed at reviving Germany's economy.

This proposed shift in the sick-leave policy comes amidst broader discussions about employee welfare and economic productivity in Germany. The country has long been recognized for its strong labor laws and protections for workers, but the government is now facing pressure to balance these protections with economic realities, particularly in light of post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Historically, Germany's sick-leave system has been characterized by a relatively lenient approach, allowing employees to take time off without the immediate requirement of a doctor's note. This system was seen as a way to promote public health and ensure that employees did not feel pressured to work while ill, which could lead to further health complications and the spread of contagious diseases.

The changes proposed by the government have sparked a considerable debate regarding the implications of such a policy shift. Advocates for the new rules argue that high levels of absenteeism can strain businesses and the economy, particularly in sectors already facing labor shortages. They contend that requiring a doctor's note on the first day of illness could deter employees from taking unnecessary sick leave and encourage a more responsible approach to health management.

On the other hand, critics of the policy are concerned about the potential health risks associated with requiring sick individuals to visit medical facilities unnecessarily. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of minimizing contact in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. Medical professionals have expressed fears that the new rule could lead to overcrowded waiting rooms, putting both patients and healthcare workers at risk.

Additionally, the requirement could disproportionately affect those with less access to healthcare, as individuals in rural areas may have to travel significant distances to see a doctor, exacerbating existing inequalities in health access. This could lead to a situation where people choose to go to work while ill rather than face the hurdles of obtaining a doctor's note, ultimately undermining the very goals the government aims to achieve with this policy.

The political ramifications of this decision are also noteworthy. The coalition government, which consists of parties with differing views on labor issues, must navigate the complexities of public opinion and intra-party dynamics. The SPD, traditionally aligned with labor rights, may face backlash from its base if the new rules are perceived as punitive or detrimental to workers' health. Conversely, the CDU, which has focused on economic competitiveness, may strengthen its position among business interests that favor stricter sick-leave regulations.

As the debate unfolds, it will be crucial for the government to engage with stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, labor unions, and businesses, to find a balanced approach that addresses both public health concerns and economic imperatives. The outcome of this policy change could set a precedent for how sick leave is managed in Germany moving forward, potentially influencing similar discussions in other countries grappling with the economic impacts of the pandemic.

In summary, the proposed requirement for a doctor's note on the first day of illness has ignited a significant debate in Germany, reflecting broader tensions between economic productivity and public health. As the coalition government navigates this controversial issue, the implications for workers, healthcare systems, and the economy will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.