Sick leave

Absences due to illness, such as maternity leave, result in the suspension of the employment contract without payment of wages (Article L34). There are occupational illnesses and accidents, and non-occupational illnesses and accidents.

In the case of work-related illnesses or accidents, the INPS covers all costs throughout the period of suspension, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Social Security Code.

In the case of non-work-related illnesses or accidents, for a maximum period of six months, the employee is entitled to an allowance paid under the following conditions (Article L37):

• During the first year of employment: an allowance equivalent to the employee’s remuneration for a period equal to the length of the notice period (1, 2 or 3 months).
• After the first year of service: the additional allowance shall be equal to half the amount of one month’s remuneration during the notice period, in addition to the allowance payable for the first year.