Notice to the employer of absence through sickness (Greece)

Published byDocMuse

The written notice in which an employee in Greece tells the employer they are off sick: from when, until when the absence is expected to last, which doctor is issuing the certificate and on what phone number they can be reached. The employer must be told at once, by any means, and the written notice proves when it was done. No paper certificate is enclosed: the doctor issues it electronically through the state e-prescription system run by IDIKA, and only electronic ones count. For the first three days the employer owes half pay (Greek Civil Code arts. 657–658).

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Common questions

How quickly, and how, must a Greek employer be told about a sickness absence?

At once, and by any means: by phone, e-mail, text message or letter. Greek law prescribes no form, but a written notice proves when it was given, so it is worth sending even after a phone call. If the work rules or the employment contract set a way of notifying, follow that too.

Does a Greek employer need a paper sick note from the doctor?

No. The treating doctor certifies the incapacity for work electronically, through the e-prescription system run by IDIKA, and only electronic certificates are accepted for the sickness benefit paid by e-EFKA, the Greek social insurance fund. The employee applies for the benefit online and the employer confirms online that the employee did not work. So the notice encloses no paper: it names the doctor and, if already known, the number of the electronic certificate.

Who pays for the first days of an employee's sickness in Greece?

For the first three days the employer pays half the wage, provided the employee has already worked at least ten days (Greek Civil Code arts. 657–658). From the fourth day the employee receives sickness benefit from e-EFKA, if the conditions are met, and for a limited period that depends on the length of employment the employer owes the difference up to normal pay. Collective agreements may provide better terms.