🏛️📈 AIReF calls for enhanced oversight of sick leave amid rising costs

Oneliner

AIReF has called for enhanced oversight of sick leave in Spain, reporting a 60% increase in temporary incapacity since 2017, with costs reaching €16.5 billion in 2024. The authority recommends that the National Social Security Institute (INSS) intervene earlier in the sick leave process to prevent prolonged absences. Regulatory changes since 2018, including expanded economic protections, have contributed to this rise. AIReF emphasizes the need for better coordination among employers, healthcare providers, and Social Security to manage sick leave effectively.

Key points

• AIReF reports a 60% increase in sick leave since 2017, with costs reaching €16.5 billion in 2024.
• The authority recommends earlier intervention by the National Social Security Institute (INSS) to manage temporary incapacity more effectively.
• Regulatory changes since 2018 have contributed to the rise in sick leave, including expanded economic protections.
• AIReF highlights the need for better coordination among employers, doctors, and Social Security in managing sick leave.

Links

• efe.com: La AIReF pide que la Seguridad Social entre antes a controlar las bajas laborales tras dispararse un 60 % desde 2017
• El Mundo: La AIReF achaca el aumento de las bajas médicas a las normas aprobadas con Sánchez desde 2018, a las listas de espera y los convenios colectivos
• elDiario: La AIReF propone más control de la Seguridad Social ante el aumento de las bajas médicas de los trabajadores

Facts

• Sick leave costs have tripled since 2014, reaching €16.5 billion in 2024.
• The incidence of sick leave rose from 21.4 cases per 1,000 contributors in 2017 to 33.9 in 2024.
• Average duration of sick leave increased from 40 days in 2017 to 45.9 days in 2024.
• 25% of workers account for 55% of sick leave episodes.
• AIReF recommends establishing a specialized monitoring unit within the INSS.

Quotes

• That dereliction of functions by the INSS until day 365 cannot stand — Cristina Herrero
• Temporary incapacity is one of the main benefits of the Spanish welfare system — Cristina Herrero

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