New rules governing sick leave introduced in 2008 have resulted in more Swedes returning to work earlier and reduced long-term sickness related absenteeism, says a new report.
The improvements have not been reflected in rural areas of Sweden though, where numbers returning to work remained stable says the Swedish Social Insurance Inspectorate (ISF).
“We see clear signs that more are returning to work due to the time limits. One can say that the time limits mean that those who can return to work do so,” said Pathric Hagglung, an ISF researcher in a report by The Local.
The ISF is the body that regulates the Swedish social insurance system and since its inception in 2009 had been tasked with independent reviews of the programme. The inspectorate was established primarily to oversee the new sick leave regulations implemented in July 2008, following a proposal by the right-wing Alliance government.
The new rules stipulate that long-term sick leave takers are required to take a medical examination to determine their fitness to return to work after three months, be it in their incumbent role or a new position. Additionally, after six months, a further examination is required to determine their ability to find and keep employment.
Sickness benefits are available for a maximum period of 364 days in any given 450-day period where payments can be up to 80 percent of earnings. Extended benefits are available in severe cases where a cap of 75 percent on earnings can be received by those with chronic or severe illnesses.
[…] Swedes working more under new sick leave rules […]