- A new report has revealed the European countries that offer the best and worst mandatory sick pay for employees
- Iceland revealed as the best country in Europe for sick pay
- Malta falls to the bottom of the list as the worst county in Europe for sick pay
Sick pay has become a contentious topic in recent times, with countless Europeans required to take time off work to recover from illness as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
With over 83,000 Google searches a month1 for the term ‘statutory sick pay’, a new report by The Compensation Experts has ranked European Nations on how well they compensate their citizens in times of ill health.
The ten best countries in Europe for sick pay
Iceland leads the way in Europe for their workers’ sick pay package. Employees across the Nordic nation are entitled to an impressive 100% of their wage for a minimum of two days for every month they’ve been in employment.
Trailing closely, fellow Northern European nations Norway and Denmark also offer great sick pay entitlement; each provides nationals with 100% of their salary, with the Norwegian government covering a worker for up to a year, and Danes covered for up to 22 weeks within a nine-month period.
The top ten European countries for sick pay can be seen below:
| Ranking | Country | Minimum % of wage that can be paid during sick leave | Maximum period allowed off as statutory sick pay |
| 1 | Iceland | 100% | 2 days for each week worked |
| 2 | Norway | 100% | 52 weeks |
| 3 | Luxembourg | 100% | 89 weeks |
| 4 | Denmark | 100% | 30 days + 22 weeks |
| 5 | Austria | 50% | 78 weeks |
| 6 | Germany | 70% | 84 weeks |
| 7 | Finland | 70% | 44 weeks |
| 8 | Switzerland | 80% | 103 weeks |
| 9 | Monaco | €146.67 per day / 90% salary | Determined by employee contract |
| 10 | Montenegro | 70% | 65 days* |
The ten worst countries in Europe for sick pay
Malta might be known for stunning views and sun, but it’s been revealed as the worst country in Europe for sick pay, only paying employees €420.30 per month.
Ireland and the United Kingdom follow closely behind – with Ireland’s sick pay being determined by employee contract type and the UK paying only £96.35 per week, for up to 28 weeks.
The ten worst countries for sick pay in Europe can be seen below:
| Ranking (1 being the worst) | Country | Minimum % of wage that can be paid during sick leave | Maximum period allowed off as statutory sick pay |
| 1 | Malta | €420.30 per month. | 22 weeks |
| 2 | Ireland | No legal minimum sick pay | Determined by employee contract |
| 3 | United Kingdom | £96.35 per week | 28 weeks |
| 4 | Ukraine | 50% | 5 days* |
| 5 | Slovakia | 25% | 53 weeks |
| 6 | France | 50% | 26 weeks |
| 7 | Italy | 50% | 26 weeks |
| 8 | Greece | 50% | Length of employment dependent |
| 9 | Andorra | 53% | 156 weeks |
| 10 | Russia | 50% | Determined by a doctor |
For full information please visit: https://the-compensation-experts.co.uk/european-sick-pay/
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.