Germany’s government has unveiled controversial plans that would require workers to provide medical proof from the very first day they call in sick, marking one of the most significant changes to the country’s workplace rules in years.
The proposal forms part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s 34 point economic reform package, which aims to revive Germany’s struggling economy, improve productivity and reduce bureaucracy. The government hopes to pass the main measures through parliament before the end of the year.
Under the proposed rules, employees would no longer be able to obtain a sick note through a telephone consultation. Instead, they would need to visit a doctor in person and submit a medical certificate from the first day of illness if requested by their employer.
Current rules allow many workers to stay home without a doctor’s certificate for the first three days of illness. They can also receive short term sick notes through telephone consultations in certain cases. The proposed reform would end both practices.
Merz defended the proposal by pointing to Germany’s growing number of sick leave days.
“We can no longer afford the competitive disadvantage caused by prolonged absences from work,” he said.
He acknowledged that the move would not be popular.
“We are creating a set of tools that will enable those involved, both employees and companies, to help decrease the number of sick days.”
Trade unions and doctors warn of unintended consequences
The proposal immediately drew criticism from labour groups and medical organisations.
Frank Werneke, head of Germany’s services union Verdi, accused the government of creating “a culture of distrust toward employees.”
Doctors also warned that the changes could overwhelm already busy medical practices.
The German Association of Family Physicians said, “Our practices would be flooded with patients who don’t need in person care and would be better off in bed.”
Medical groups argue that many people with minor illnesses recover more quickly at home. They say forcing patients to visit clinics could increase the spread of infectious diseases while placing additional pressure on family doctors.
Reform package aims to strengthen Germany’s economy
The sick leave proposal forms only one part of a broader reform agenda.
The government also announced income tax relief for low and middle income households, pension reforms linked to life expectancy, measures to reduce red tape and changes that give employers greater flexibility to hire workers on short term contracts. Officials believe the package will improve Germany’s competitiveness after several years of weak economic growth.
Business groups have largely welcomed the reforms, arguing that high absenteeism has reduced productivity across Europe’s largest economy. Economists, however, say the benefits may take time to appear and will depend on how parliament implements the proposals.
Despite mounting criticism from unions and doctors, the Merz government has shown no sign of abandoning the proposal. The debate is expected to intensify as lawmakers begin discussing the reforms in parliament later this year.
