Greece: Employment rights and sick leave regulations

In Greece, employees absent from work due to illness are subject to specific regulations regarding pay and job security. When an absence exceeds three days, workers may be eligible for sickness benefits from e-EFKA, provided they meet necessary insurance requirements.

Employers may also be responsible for covering the difference between the e-EFKA sickness allowance and the employee's regular wages. The duration of this obligation depends on the employee's seniority; those with over one year of service are entitled to coverage for a longer period than those with less than one year.

Regarding job security, sick leave does not grant an absolute prohibition against contract termination. While dismissals must be legal and not constitute an abusive exercise of employer rights, the duration of the absence and its impact on business operations—particularly in critical roles—can influence how a termination is evaluated legally.