Germany's sick leave crackdown sparks debate

The German government has introduced controversial new laws requiring workers to obtain a medical certificate before taking sick leave, a move welcomed by big business but criticised by unions and medical groups who warn it will strain the health system. German workers take approximately double the amount of sick leave compared to Australian workers on average. The policy has sparked debate about whether such requirements could counterintuitively reduce productivity by encouraging sick workers to attend work and spread illness, as well as questions about trust in the workplace and accountability of public figures.

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