1 of 1
Story summary
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced employees must provide a doctor’s certificate on day one, ending phone notes.
- The rule took effect on 2 July 2026, replacing the fourth-day requirement.
- Health Minister Judith Warken said the average sick-leave was 19.5 days per employee in 2025.
- The package adds €10 billion tax relief for low and middle incomes from 1 January 2027 and raises the top rate to 45 % above €250 000 and 47 % above €280 000.
