New rules to limit length of sick leave in France

France is preparing to change the rules around sick leave, un arrêt de travail, with the changes expected to come into force in September 2026. 

The reform introduces official limits on the duration of sick leave prescriptions and is being seen as a significant shift in the country’s approach to work absences and healthcare spending.

Broadly speaking, an arrêt de travail applies to someone who is unable to work due to a condition affecting their ability to carry out their job, whether this is caused by an accident at work or another medical reason. Workplace accidents can also include incidents that occur while commuting. 

Other reasons may include burnout - now recognised as a mental health condition in France - as well as illnesses such as flu or stomach bugs, which can make attending the workplace inappropriate due to the risk of infecting others.

An arrêt de travail is temporary, with doctors usually specifying the number of days for which they expect the patient to be unfit for work. It differs from an arrêt maladie.

Read also: Sick pay in France: what is the difference between an arrêt de travail and arrêt maladie?

Under the new system, an initial sick leave prescription will be limited to a maximum of 31 days. Extensions will still be possible if a patient requires additional time off but each extension will be capped at 62 days.

Currently, there has been no maximum duration for sick leave, although guidelines do exist for certain conditions, with indicative recovery periods. 

Doctors will continue to have the authority to extend leave beyond these periods where a patient’s medical condition justifies it. Insured workers are also subject to a limit of 360 days of daily benefit payments over a three-year period.

The government says the measure is intended to improve oversight of the rising costs associated with sick leave compensation. 

In April, Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou claimed that sick leave was costing the country €18 billion annually, with the figure increasing by a further €1 billion each year.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, absenteeism rates among private-sector employees have remained high, with mental health issues identified as the primary cause.

This has prompted authorities to explore ways of strengthening controls while maintaining support for those who genuinely need it.

Reform sparks debate

The reform has nevertheless sparked debate. Supporters argue that clearer rules could help reduce abuse and create a more consistent framework for decisions surrounding medical leave. 

Critics, however, fear that fixed limits could place greater pressure on both doctors and employees, particularly for people living with long-term illnesses, mental health conditions, or recovery periods that differ from one individual to another.

France is not alone in examining the issue of workplace absences. Several European countries are also exploring ways to control costs and adapt their healthcare systems.