German coalition leaders agree on sick note requirement from day one

Germany's coalition leaders have reached a basic agreement to mandate a doctor's note for sick leave starting from the very first day of illness. However, the specifics of this policy, including potential exceptions, remain to be ironed out during the upcoming legislative process. The move has already drawn criticism from medical associations and trade unions, who express concerns about overwhelming doctor's offices and increasing administrative burdens.

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This was a fundamental agreement in the coalition committee yesterday. Now it's about finding good, pragmatic solutions.

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) emphasized the need for "good, pragmatic solutions" to implement the decision, which was made during a coalition committee meeting. The government's plan requires employees to submit a sick note from day one of their absence.

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You don't have to go to the doctor's office on the first day. You have to have a sick note from the first day.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) commented that employees would not necessarily need to visit a doctor on the first day but would still need a certificate. He also noted that companies could establish different arrangements with their employees through collective bargaining or company agreements. Meanwhile, Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) indicated that the ministry would carefully examine the potential consequences and effectiveness of the new rule, stating that the legislative process would determine any exceptions.

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We will see if this actually has any effect or rather leads to difficulties.