In Italy, when a worker is on sick leave, they are expected to remain at home, and the Inps (National Institute for Social Security) has the responsibility to verify their health status through home visits. This verification process, however, is not very frequent. Recent statistics indicate that a mere 6% of workers receiving sick leave benefits actually encounter an Inps doctor for validation of their illness, leaving a vast majority unmonitored during their sick leave.

The low rate of supervision has led to increased anxiety among public and private sector employees who fear being checked during their sick leave. Given that the Inps doctor's visit is mandatory and could expose anyone falsely claiming to be sick, it highlights a critical gap in the system designed to deter abuse. The statistics have triggered discussions on the effectiveness of these inspections and the need for reforms to better monitor sick leave cases.

Concerns around potential fraud are heightened by the infrequency of these checks, which could signify an underlying issue in the management of sick leave entitlements. As the situation stands, if the inspection rates remain low, it might encourage dishonest behavior among a small number of individuals who might take advantage of the system. This situation necessitates a re-evaluation of how sick leave is monitored in Italy, with possible implications for policy changes in labor laws and social security measures.