Readers like you keep news free for everyone.
More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.
For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.
spcbrass via Flickr
# Your Say
Poll: Should a doctor's note be needed for all sick days?
Sick leave costs the Government and businesses millions every year. So should employees have to provide proof?
THE DEBATE OVER the cost of sick leave has been reignited, after it emerged that sick days cost the civil service more than €26million each year.
The figures have reopened controversy about absenteeism in the public service, which the Government has pledged to reduce as part of the Croke Park Agreement.
However, Ibec has also said that sick leave costs the private sector as much as €1.5billion a year.
Currently, civil servants are limited to seven days of uncertified sick leave per year. However, there have been accusations that this is being abused and treated as extra holiday.
Many private businesses have a similar arrangement, with staff not required to produce a doctor’s note for short absences.
So what do you think? Should a doctor’s note be required for all sick days?
Poll Results:
No (2482)
I don't know (1033)
Yes (666)
Read: The annual bill for sick leave in the public service>
Explainer: How much sick leave can civil servants take?>
