Ministry of Welfare: special regulation for one day of illness without a sick leave is not necessary
Latvia's Ministry of Welfare has determined that implementing a special regulation allowing employees to take one day off for acute illness without a sick leave form is unnecessary after consultations with other ministries and social partners.
In a recent report by Latvia's Ministry of Welfare, it was concluded that there is no need for a special regulation allowing employees to take one day off for acute illness without submitting a sick leave form. This decision comes after the government reviewed a report from the Ministry of Health regarding the oversight of sick leave issuance and the handling of complaints about it. The review aimed to encourage more flexibility for workers during short-term illnesses but ultimately found that such changes would not be beneficial.
The discussions involved various stakeholders, including the Ministries of Welfare, Economics, and Health, as well as social partners like the Latvian Free Trade Union Confederation, the Latvian Employers' Confederation, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Following extensive consultations, it was agreed that introducing an amendment to the Labour Law specifically for this purpose would be impractical and unnecessary, highlighting the importance of existing frameworks for managing sick leave.
This decision reflects a broader trend in labor regulations, where there is increasing recognition of the need to balance employee well-being with organizational efficiency. By reaffirming the necessity of sick leave documentation, the Ministry aims to maintain a structured approach to employee absences, ensuring that both employees and employers are protected under current labor laws.