France Tightens Rules on Sick Leave Pay

The French government is set to introduce stricter regulations governing sick leave, prompting concern among doctors about the potential impact on their patients. Two decrees are expected to be published in the coming days, according to reports.

One of the measures targets the indemnification paid to certain workers on sick leave for depression, a mental health condition that affects mood, energy and daily functioning. Under the plan, compensation for some salaried employees diagnosed with depression would be divided by three, significantly reducing the financial support they receive while unable to work.

The second decree addresses a practice referred to as "medical nomadism," in which patients consult multiple doctors in order to obtain a sick note, sometimes after being refused by one physician. The government intends to impose financial penalties linked to this behaviour, though the precise mechanism has not yet been detailed publicly.

Doctors have reacted with unease to the announcement, warning that the tightened rules risk placing additional strain on patients who require legitimate time off, particularly those suffering from mental health conditions. Critics argue that reducing compensation for depression-related leave could discourage people from seeking necessary treatment or disclosing their condition.

The exact scope and implementation timeline of both decrees remain unclear, as the texts have not yet been formally released. However, their publication is expected imminently, and the changes are likely to spark further debate among healthcare professionals, unions and policymakers once the full details emerge.

The move comes amid broader efforts by the French authorities to control the cost of sick leave payments, which have been a recurring topic of budgetary discussion. Whether the new rules will achieve their intended savings without harming vulnerable patients remains to be seen.