The German government proposes the elimination of medical leave obtained by phone and the requirement to present a medical certificate from the first day of illness.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the German government's intention to eliminate the possibility of obtaining medical leave via phone, imposing the obligation to present a medical certificate starting from the first day of illness. This measure, justified by the increase in the number of medical leaves, could affect millions of employees.

The procedure for obtaining medical leave through phone consultations was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce congestion in medical offices. In the future, employees will need to physically present themselves to a doctor to obtain a temporary incapacity certificate for work.

The Chancellor emphasized that Germany is facing high absenteeism, affecting economic competitiveness. The proposed reform could turn the obligation to present a medical certificate from the first day into a national rule, eliminating the possibility of obtaining it by phone. Lawyer Paul Krusenotto explained that current employment contracts will not automatically become void, and the impact of the new regulation will depend on its wording.