French Government to Limit Public Sector Sick Leave Duration Starting September 2026

Starting September 1, 2026, a new government decree in France will impose limits on the duration of sick leaves for public sector employees. According to the decree published in the Official Journal, the initial sick leave period must not exceed one month, with possible extensions up to two months. Exceptions will be granted depending on the patient’s health condition.

This reform is part of the 2026 Social Security Financing Law, which introduces a maximum duration for sick leaves, a regulatory change from the previous situation where no defined limit existed. While recommendations for certain specific pathologies were previously in place, this new policy formalizes limits to better regulate work absences for health reasons.

The French government is preparing this draft decree to overhaul the current system for granting and renewing sick leave among public employees. However, the reform has met resistance from trade unions who criticize it as rooted in a "logic of suspicion and control," describing it as a purely accounting-driven measure. They argue that these measures reflect a broader trend of increased oversight of public sector employees initiated under President Emmanuel Macron’s tenure.

This policy shift underscores a significant move by the French government to tighten regulations on sick leave in the public sector, aiming to balance healthcare needs with administrative oversight and fiscal responsibility. The reform will come into effect three months from now, marking a notable development in employment and health policy in France.