Increase in unpaid sick days proposed by French government
Plans are due to come into force in 2026
Some employers continue to pay sick workers until the current three-day waiting period is reached
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The number of days before statutory sick pay kicks in could jump from three to six, the government has told unions.
Some employers continue to pay sick workers until the current three-day waiting period is reached.
After this point, the state contributes up to half the cost of the employee’s daily wage until they are fit enough to return to work.
Other employers have insurance policies to cover the three days, or pay reduced wages.
The government plans, which are opposed by both employers’ trade bodies and unions, are due to come into force in 2026.
They could include decrees forcing employers to take out sick day insurance for workers.
However, the level of opposition to the proposals may mean they do not progress further. Talks were due to resume after the summer holidays.
In 2024, the Cour des Comptes, which oversees government spending and budgets, estimated that €900million would be saved from social security funds by such a measure.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of sick days taken in France has risen by 6.3% according to figures from the Caisse nationale d’assurance maladie.
Before Covid the annual rise was 2.9%
