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Germany labor law: Sick leave rights and maternity pay differences
In Germany, legal distinctions between sick pay and employment prohibitions significantly impact the finances of pregnant workers. While sick pay (Krankengeld) typically covers 70 percent of gross earnings (capped at 90 percent of net earnings) after six weeks of illness, an employment prohibition (Beschäftigungsverbot) allows for maternity protection wages based on average earnings.
Regarding general sick leave, being unable to work does not mandate total isolation. According to labor law expert Volker Görzel, activities such as traveling, attending festivals, or visiting restaurants are permissible provided they do not hinder the recovery process. The suitability of an activity depends on the specific illness; for example, travel might be detrimental for a spinal injury but potentially beneficial for certain psychological conditions.
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Under § 47 SGB V, sick pay is generally set at 70 percent of regular gross earnings, capped at 90 percent of net earnings. www.gegen-hartz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Travel during sick leave is permitted if it does not hinder the recovery process. www.volksfreund.de · www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de · www.wz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Activities such as visiting festivals, events, or restaurants are not automatically prohibited during sick leave if they do not impede recovery. www.volksfreund.de · www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de · www.wz.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] For pregnant employees, a prohibition of employment (Beschäftigungsverbot) pays maternity protection wages based on average earnings, whereas sick pay (Krankengeld) may only cover 70 percent of gross' www.gegen-hartz.de