Minister Juchelka advocates reinstating the waiting period for sick-pay
Minister Juchelka says the Czech government should bring back the waiting period for wage replacement during the first days of illness.
The Czech waiting period for wage replacement, ended in July 2019 by the ANO-ČSSD government with communist support, may be reintroduced, Minister Juchelka announced. He cited employer pressure and a recent study indicating a sharp increase in sick-leave cases after the policy was removed. The finance ministry estimates that companies currently spend billions on early sick-pay, but Juchelka stressed the proposal would not burden the state budget.
He also mentioned that only three-quarters of doctor-issued prescriptions are actually redeemed at pharmacies. While a sports minister is also expected to submit a parliamentary proposal, Juchelka said the concept will be reviewed rather than rejected.
Why it matters
Reinstating the waiting period could shift sick-pay costs back to employers, affecting businesses and workers nationwide.
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