France codifies strict sick leave limits into law
France codifies one-month sick leave limit and four-year accident benefit cap into law, effective September 2026.
Event / Politics
France Sick Leave Policy Reform
France introduced new limits on sick leave duration, capping initial prescriptions at one month and extensions at two months, effective September 2026. The measure addresses rising Social Security costs and post-COVID absenteeism. Parliament codified the limits into law rather than leaving them to executive discretion. A separate decree also establishes a four-year maximum for work accident benefit payments starting 2027.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 13 Jun, 11:37 UTC
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What happened
France implements four-year limit on work accident benefit payments
A decree published in the Journal officiel establishes a maximum duration of four years for daily benefit payments in cases of workplace accidents or occupational illnesses, effective from 2027.
New sick leave limits take effect September 1, 2026
The decree limiting sick leave duration will enter into force on September 1, 2026. The regulation establishes the first formal maximum duration for sick leave prescriptions in France, as previously no such limit existed despite recommendations for certain pathologies.
French government cites rising Social Security costs for sick leave benefits
The French government stated that sick leave benefits cost 18 billion euros annually for Social Security and are increasing by 1 billion euros per year. Labor and Solidarity Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou characterized the financial stakes as considerable, citing these rising costs as justification for the new restrictions.
French parliament votes to set sick leave limits in law rather than decree
The French parliament modified the government's initial proposal for sick leave limits. Rather than allowing the executive to set limits via decree at 15 days for city doctors and 30 days for hospitals, parliament voted to establish the limits in law at one month for both cases, preventing executive discretion in setting these durations.
French decree limits sick leave duration to one month for initial prescription
A decree published in the French Journal officiel on Saturday establishes maximum durations for sick leave prescriptions. Initial sick leave prescriptions are limited to 31 days (one month), and extensions are limited to 62 days (two months). These limits apply to all healthcare professionals who prescribe sick leave, including doctors, midwives, and dentists. Exceptions are permitted based on patient health conditions.
French absenteeism remains elevated since COVID-19 pandemic
Absenteeism rates among private sector employees in France have remained at high levels following the COVID-19 crisis. This increase is particularly pronounced among executives, with longer sick leaves often related to mental health issues, according to a study published by mutual insurance company Malakoff Humanis.
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