France: France's prime minister on Friday called a national rise in sick leave 'very worrying,' warning that it could worsen the public deficit.
According to Anadolu Agency, Sebastien Lecornu highlighted the budgetary concerns associated with the increasing sick leave, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue. He stated, 'We have a very worrying drift in the budgetary impact of sick leave. If we address it too late in the year, no action will be possible, useful, or effective,' underscoring the necessity of controlling sick leave 'whatever happens.'
The French National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam) reported a substantial increase in daily sick leave benefits, totaling approximately £10.2 billion ($11.7 billion) in 2023. This figure is notably higher than pre-COVID-19 levels, with expenses continuing to rise, as per data from the fund and health authorities.
In 2025, labor inspectors conducted only about 230,000 checks out of some 9 million sick leave cases, according to the figures. This has prompted the government to engage in multiple meetings with private doctors and consider sanctions for the over-prescription of sick leave. However, the proposed measure was eventually dropped to ease tensions within the sector.
France's social security deficit was reported at £21.6 billion in 2025, with £15.9 billion attributed to the health branch.