[REVISION HISTORY]

Nordic sick‑leave policy reforms

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-26 23:06 UTC → 2026-09-03 09:13 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, Swedish officials and commentators debated whether to retain the sick‑pay deduction (karensavdraget). They argued that its removal in the 1980s had led to some of Europe’s highest absenteeism rates, and warned that dropping it again could increase short‑term sick leave and burden employers. The discussion referenced Norway’s lack of a deduction and its high sick‑leave rates, as well as Germany’s stricter doctor‑note requirements, framing the issue within broader pre‑election labour policy debates. A few days later, in early August 2026, Norway introduced a new tariff for general practitioners that ties higher fees to the issuance of sick‑leave certificates, aiming to reduce overall sick‑leave rates and promote graded certifications. The scheme quickly attracted ethical criticism from health‑care committee leaders and physicians, who argued it could undermine doctor‑patient trust and professional autonomy. While the policy is set for a one‑year trial, political opposition suggests it may be reconsidered before its expiry. By mid-August 2026, the debate in Sweden intensified as proponents of abolishing the deduction, including the Social Democrats and the union Kommunal, argued that the policy forces essential workers to choose between health and financial stability. Conversely, business representatives maintained that removing the deduction would increase short-term absenteeism and employer costs. Simultaneously, Norwegian medical professionals escalated their opposition to the new payment regulations. Doctors have protested the structure, which provides significantly less compensation for 100 percent sick leave certificates—dropping to 5 NOK—while incentivizing partial or graded leave. Critics, including physicians Jørn Otto Ahlqvist and Hege Førland, have compared the outcome-based model to “corruption,” suggesting medical decisions may be driven by financial incentives. Demonstrations occurred in Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø, while Kjersti Toppe, leader of the Health and Care Committee, condemned the arrangement as “unethical.” ~~By late August 2026, scrutiny in Norway expanded to include physician reimbursements.~~

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