Germany looks to ban calling in sick, would require doctors’ notes immediately
The coalition says the change will curb absenteeism as Germany’s average worker takes 19.5 sick days a year, according to IGES research.
- On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to abolish phone-based sick notes, requiring employees to obtain in-person medical certificates from the first day of illness beginning in January 2027.
- Merz defended the policy, citing Germany's average of 15 sick days annually as a "competitive disadvantage" harming the nation's sluggish economy and requiring immediate structural intervention.
- Trade unions condemned the mandate as an "attack on workers' rights," while the German Association of General Practitioners warned that in-person visits would be "absolutely catastrophic," clogging clinics with unnecessary appointments.
- This 34-measure economic package includes 10 billion euros in annual tax relief for low-income earners, funded by raising the top tax rate to 47% for those earning over 280,000 euros.
- Parliament is expected to pass the measures by year-end, as the coalition seeks to demonstrate administrative competence ahead of critical regional elections in September amid rising far-right Alternative for Germany polling.
117 Articles
117 Articles
The coalition's leaders want to reduce absenteeism in companies - with higher barriers to incapacity for work. The chancellor's party also objects.
The Merz government's disease reporting plans come up against sharp criticism. AOK warns against more bureaucracy and higher costs.
In the case of sick leave, a certificate will have to be issued from the first day. Many employees could be unsure of this, an expert will explain.
Major new rule change for workers sparks anger across Germany
A major European government has sparked fury after unveiling plans to force workers to produce a doctor’s note on the very first day they call in sick. The proposed shake-up would also scrap the pandemic-era system allowing people to get a sick note over the phone, meaning anyone too ill to work could be forced […]
The Federal Government's patient representative, Schwartze, has criticised the coalition's plans to send employees to the doctor from day one of a disease.
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