German workers will soon be required to visit a doctor to obtain a sick note for even a single day of absence, under strict new proposals announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The measures, unveiled on Thursday, aim to address what the government describes as excessive sick leave and improve productivity in an economy facing challenges.
The current system allows employees to self-certify for up to two days off sick and often does not require a doctor's certificate until the third day of absence. These new proposals would eliminate that flexibility.
"The number of sick days is too high," Merz stated in a press conference. "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."
Business groups have generally welcomed the proposed changes, but trade unions have voiced criticism, arguing that the policies unfairly target employees. Frank Werneke, head of the services union Verdi, accused Merz of fostering "a culture of distrust of employees."
Medical professionals have also expressed concerns. The German Association of Family Physicians warned that the changes could lead to an influx of patients into GP surgeries who do not require in-person treatment, describing the proposal as "an absolute catastrophe." Doctors fear surgeries will be overwhelmed by individuals who would be better off recuperating at home.
Germans take an average of approximately 15 working days of sick leave annually, a figure higher than some neighboring European countries but lower than nations such as France and most Nordic countries. In contrast, employees in the United Kingdom take an average of more than four days off per worker each year, with doctor's notes typically not required until after seven days of absence.
These new regulations are part of a broader reform package negotiated between Merz's center-right Christian Democratic Union and its coalition partner, the left-wing Social Democrat Party. The overarching goal of these reforms is to stimulate economic growth and strengthen Germany's public finances. The package also includes plans to reduce bureaucratic red tape, gradually increase the retirement age from 67 to potentially 70, and adjust taxes by lowering rates for low and middle earners while increasing them for individuals earning over €250,000 annually.
Economist Carsten Brzeski of ING commented that while the reforms may have taken longer than anticipated, Germany's "long-awaited summer of reforms has finally arrived." He added, "It is not a package that will transform a stagnant economy overnight. But it could create the conditions for future growth."