FDP’s Christian Dürr Considers Introducing ‘Sick Leave Days’ to Reduce Absenteeism.
FDP’s Bundestag faction leader Christian Dürr thinks introducing ‘sick leave days’ could be a viable option to reduce high absenteeism in Germany.
“A sick leave day would certainly deter many from going to the doctor unnecessarily and declaring themselves sick” the FDP politician told the Rheinische Post. He believes it’s right to start this debate, as Germany has the highest absenteeism rate among industrial nations. “We need to think of better incentives – like a bonus from health insurances if no medical services are used” he added.
Dürr also advocates for changes to the social welfare system, specifically the ‘Bürgergeld’ (social assistance). “Expenses for Bürgergeld are too high. Therefore, we need to change the rules for the assumption of responsibility for returning to work” the politician said. “Those who decline a reasonable job should be more strongly sanctioned” he added.
The FDP politician also wants more flexibility in working hours. “Those who want to work more than 48 hours a week should be able to do so, as long as they make it up in other weeks. The same applies to daily working hours” Dürr said.