Czech and Slovak sick‑leave reforms

In July 2026 the Czech Republic reported that more than one million people were employed under short‑term work contracts and that terminated short‑term sick‑leave cases had risen slightly, while total sick‑leave days continued to grow. Analysts highlighted that the three‑day waiting period introduced in 2008 pushes absences onto paid vacation or unpaid leave, disproportionately affecting low‑paid workers who cannot work from home.

A week later, Slovakia announced that stricter medical‑assessment rules introduced in January 2025 had sharply cut fraudulent sick‑leave claims. The share of people on sick leave fell below 3 % for the first time, and the state projected savings of up to €300 million by the end of 2026, attributing the results to tighter assessor powers and an electronic health‑card system.

Further data released on 4 August 2026 shows the impact deepening. Slovakia’s Social Insurance office said the crackdown saved €144 million in 2025 and €72 million in the first half of 2026, with a total €300 million expected by year‑end. The ministry reported roughly 12 000 fewer fraudulent claims each month, 3.2 million fewer sick‑days, and a drop in newly reported cases from about 454 000 to 390 000. Continued integration of electronic health records and expanded assessment powers are expected to sustain the downward trend.

Together, the snapshots illustrate how the Czech labour market still grapples with structural sick‑leave pressures, while Slovakia’s tighter enforcement is delivering measurable fiscal and productivity gains.