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Germany: Companies pay record 85.6 billion euros in sick pay
German companies reached a record high in sick pay expenditures, totaling 85.6 billion euros in 2025. According to a study by the Institute of the German Economy (IW), these nominal costs have more than doubled over the last 15 years, rising from 81.2 billion euros in 2024.
The total includes 72.5 billion euros in gross wages reported by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, plus an estimated 13.1 billion euros in employer social security contributions. The IW attributes this increase to higher wages, increased employment levels, and a rise in sick leave since the introduction of electronic certificates in 2022.
Separately, scientific studies indicate that scented cleaning products can release nanoparticles into the air. When fragrances like terpenes react with ozone, they create ultra-fine particles (1 to 30 nanometers) that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, reaching concentrations similar to those found near busy roads.
In consumer testing by Öko-Test, results for bathroom cleaners were mixed. While some products showed high effectiveness in removing limescale, others performed poorly, with the most expensive option being compared to the effectiveness of plain water.
Entities
Bundesarbeitsministerium · Germany · Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft · Kaufland · Müller · Procter & Gamble · Rheinische Post · Öko-Test
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Öko-Test tested 23 foot bath additives for critical ingredients.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] One foot bath additive was downgraded due to musk ketone, which is suspected of causing cancer.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Only two cleaners showed very high lime-dissolving ability: K-Classic Eco Badreiniger Minze and Blink Badreiniger Crystal. www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] One foot bath additive contained tea tree oil, which is suspected of being reprotoxic and causing allergic reactions.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nineteen foot bath additives received a 'Very Good' rating.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Meister Proper Badreiniger Febreze Frische removed more than 90 percent of dirt after five minutes. www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] Öko-Test tested 25 bathroom cleaners in specialized laboratories. www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de