What are the sick leave entitlements like in Italy?

Sick leave in Italy is designed to protect employees during periods of illness, ensuring they receive financial support while they recover. The system involves a combination of employer contributions and social security payments. Here's a detailed look at how sick leave works in Italy.

Medical Certification Requirements

Medical Certificate: After just one day of absence due to illness, employees in Italy are required to provide a medical certificate. This document confirms the illness and is necessary to qualify for sick leave benefits.

Sick Leave Entitlement and Salary Payment

Short-Term Illness (1st to 3rd Day)

Frequency: Employees can take short-term sick leave for up to 3 days per illness, with a maximum of 4 such instances allowed per year.
Salary Payment:
- 66% Paid by Social Security: During these initial days of illness, 66% of the employee’s salary is covered by the social security system.
- 34% Paid by Employer: The remaining 34% of the salary is paid by the employer.

Extended Illness (4th to 45th Day)

Frequency: For illnesses extending from the 4th to the 45th day, employees are entitled to this extended sick leave benefit once per year.
Salary Payment:
- 75% Paid by Social Security: Social security covers 75% of the employee’s salary during this period.
- 25% Paid by Employer: The employer contributes the remaining 25% of the salary.

Serious Illness

Medical Certification: In cases of serious illness, a medical certification is required to confirm the severity of the condition.
Employment Agreement Suspension: For serious illnesses, the employment agreement is temporarily suspended, meaning the employee is not required to perform their job duties during their recovery.
Salary Payment:
- 100% Paid by Social Security: During this period, the entire salary is paid by social security, relieving the employer of this financial responsibility.

Maximum Duration

Max. 180 Days/Year: The total duration of sick leave an employee can take is capped at 180 days per year. This limit ensures that while employees have ample time to recover from illness, there is also a defined boundary to the leave entitlement.

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Italy