It doesn't pay to get sick in the Czech Republic anymore

The number of sick leave cases in the Czech Republic has decreased by one-third in the first 11 months of 2009 since the changes in sick pay were introduced on January 1, compared to the same period in 2008, according to the Czech Social Security Authority (CSSZ) statistics released to CTK.

Mainly the number of short-term sick leave cases has decreased. On the contrary, the average length of sick leave has increased by one-fourth.

The changes in the sickness benefit system were part of the reform steps taken by the former coalition government of Mirek Topolanek (Civic Democrats, ODS).

Since January 2009 employees have had no right to sick pay during the first three days of illness, then their employees pay them sickness benefits until the 14th day of illness. Only from the 15th day people receive sick pay from the state.

For the complete report: Fewer Czechs on sick leave after changes in sickness benefits | Prague Monitor