Sick Leave in Europe 2022

When it comes to sick leave absence in Europe, not every country has the same rules. On average, employees in Europe receive 65% of their salary during sick leave. Keep reading to learn about different rules in various European countries. 

Map overview of salary paid during a week of sick leave in Europe

Sick leave in the UK

The UK is known as one of the worst countries in Europe when it comes to sick leaves because not even a strong average salary means a lot to employees in this case. The first three days of sick leave in the UK are qualifying days where employees are not paid Statutory Sick Pay. The amount is taxable but usually comes below most thresholds to pay much. That's why many companies have their sick pay programs that are more lucrative. 

A week of sick leave in the UK: 8.68% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in the UK: 18.44% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 25,500 € / $26,342

Sick leave in France

After 3 waiting days in France, employees are compensated with 50% of their salary. In the French system, it all depends on how long employees are working and whether they qualify and obtain a doctor's note when they are sick for the first time.

A week of sick leave in France: 20% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in France: 42.49% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 26,302 € / $27,177

Sick leave in Germany

In Germany, employees with an approved sick note will receive 100% of their salary for up to six weeks, and after that will be paid 70% until fit to work.

A week of sick leave in Germany: 100% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Germany: 100% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 26,844 € / $27,732

Sick leave in Spain

Employees in Spain receive 60% of their salary up to the fifteenth day of sickness and 75% after that. Typically, Spanish employees receive social security payments during their sick leave. 

A week of sick leave in Spain: 60% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Spain: 63.75% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 21,160 € / $21,861

Sick leave in the Netherlands

Sick leave in the Netherlands is 70% of the pay and it is paid for up to two years. 

A week of sick leave in the Netherlands: 70% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in the Netherlands: 70% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 26,038 € / $26,903

Sick leave in Italy

Italy has 3 waiting days, similar to the UK and France, and after that employees are paid 50% of their salary until the 20th day of sick leave. After that, it is 66.66%. 

A week of sick leave in Italy: 40% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Italy: 85% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 18,823 € / $19,448

Sick leave in Poland

Sick leave pay in Poland amounts to 80% of the salary.

A week of sick leave in Poland: 80% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Poland: 80% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 8,724 € / $9,013

Sick leave in Portugal

Portugal too has the first three days classified as waiting days that are unpaid. 

A week of sick leave in Portugal: 30% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Portugal: 83.75% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 12,078 € / $12,479

Sick leave in Switzerland

Employees in Switzerland are paid their full salary during sick leave for a minimum of three weeks during their first year with a company. 

A week of sick leave in Switzerland: 100% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Switzerland: 100% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 49,330 € / $50,995 

Sick leave in Austria

Employees in Austria are entitled to six weeks of fully paid sick leave every year. This is growing based on the duration of employment.

A week of sick leave in Austria: 100% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Austria: 100% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 25,614 € / $ 26,476

Sick leave in Belgium

In Belgium, employees have to deliver a sick note to the employer within the first few days of illness. Every employee who worked longer than a month is entitled to 100% of the salary during sick leave.

A week of sick leave in Belgium: 100% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Belgium: 100% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 25,210 € / $26,061

Sick leave in Norway

Employer covers the first 16 days of sick leave and after that employees are covered with the full salary for up to 52 weeks. 

A week of sick leave in Norway: 100% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Norway: 100% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 41,019 € / $42,401

Sick leave in Denmark

In Denmark, employers are paying for sick leave for 14 days, and after that, it is covered by the local authority at a rate of 90%. 

A week of sick leave in Denmark: 75.56% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Denmark: 75.56% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 37,378 € / $38,637

Sick leave in Finland

Finland has 9 day waiting period that is unpaid. Very few people, unless unemployed or earning very little, will see the minimum allowance.

A week of sick leave in Finland: 0% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Finland: 38.50% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 28,152 € / $29,102

Sick leave in Sweden

In Sweden, employees have one waiting day after which they are paid 80% of their salary. The first two weeks are covered by the employer and after that by the 'Swedish Social Insurance Agency'. 

A week of sick leave in Sweden: 80% of the weekly salary.

A month of sick leave in Sweden: 95% of the monthly salary.

Average annual salary: 30,865 € / $31,900

If you are thinking about hiring employees abroad and need assistance with it, you are in the right place. No need for you to set up an entity - EuroDev can handle everything for you. From EoR (Employer of Record) services, and payroll outsourcing, to help you with day-to-day HR tasks.

About EuroDev

EuroDev was established in 1996 in the Netherlands with a single, defined purpose to help mid-sized North American companies expand their business in Europe. So far, we have partnered up with over 500 companies and helped them define and meet their European business goals. Services provided include Sales Outsourcing, HR Outsourcing, and Digital Marketing. 

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, please note that HR policies and regulations can change frequently. It is recommended that you seek guidance from our HR consultants to ensure that the data presented here is current and accurate.

Source: Vouchercloud