German companies paid out a record €86 billion in wages to employees on sick leave last year, according to a study by the Cologne-based German Economic Institute (IW). The figure has more than doubled since 2010, when it stood at €36.9 billion.
Of the total, €72.5 billion accounted for gross wages, while €13.1 billion went to social security contributions. The IW attributes the rise to wage increases, inflation, and a growing number of employed people.
The institute also noted a significant increase in recorded sick leave since Germany switched to electronic medical certificates in 2022. Separate research by the IGES Institute shows that German workers now take an average of 19.5 sick days per year, up from about 13 days in 2018.
In response, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government will ban doctors from issuing sick notes over the phone starting in January. In Germany, employers typically cover salaries for up to six weeks before statutory health insurance takes over.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen's second-largest shareholder, Lower Saxony's state premier Olaf Lies, has called on all parties to agree on a restructuring plan for the automaker in the coming days. He stressed the need to address challenges such as tariffs, falling demand, and competition from China.
VW's management is reportedly considering cutting up to 100,000 jobs and closing several German plants. The supervisory board is due to meet on September 4 to discuss a turnaround plan.
A poll by the Forsa institute found that 67% of Germans believe US influence on Germany has increased since Donald Trump returned to the White House, while only 11% think it has decreased. Ties have soured over tariffs, Greenland, and disagreements on Ukraine.
According to public broadcaster NDR, the Taliban has sent a three-person delegation to Germany to help facilitate the deportation of Afghan nationals. The delegation is staying at the Afghan embassy in Berlin and provides documents recognized by Kabul.
Although Germany does not recognize the Taliban government, Chancellor Merz calls these contacts a technical necessity. Critics argue that this legitimizes the Taliban.
The youth wing of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has broken ranks with party leadership by opposing a German exit from the euro. The organization's head, Jean-Pascal Hohm, called for fixing structural flaws in the euro system instead.
A fire broke out early Saturday at a refugee shelter in Berlin-Spandau, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Four people were treated for smoke inhalation, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: www.dw.com