Overview

• During a BFMTV appearance on July 29, Health Minister Yannick Neuder urged moderation in sick leave usage to foster collective responsibility without assigning blame.
• He noted that sick leave usage has risen by 6.4%, costing €17 billion in the private sector and up to €27 billion when including public sector employees.
• Ministers are reviewing reforms including extending the existing three-day waiting period, instituting an uncompensated first day, capping initial sick leaves at 15 days and shifting days 4–7 costs to employers.
• Medef president Patrick Martin warned that added employer levies would undermine competitiveness and urged compensatory measures through higher complementary health insurance contributions.
• These proposals form part of a broader €43.8 billion social security savings target for 2026, with discussions ongoing between government, unions and employer federations.