On Tuesday, September 1st, France introduced a new rule to regulate long-term sick leave. The reform sets a maximum of 31 days for the first sick leave prescription and requires employees to see their doctor again for any renewal. While long sick leaves are still possible, they now need to be justified by the doctor on the sick leave certificate. This change is part of the 2026 Social Security Financing Law, aimed at better monitoring sick leave usage. According to the Drees, France's health ministry statistical service, the number of sick leaves has increased by 3.9% between 2019 and 2023. However, the increase is not believed to be due to misuse, but rather linked to broader factors like employment trends and an aging population. Long-term sick leaves, which make up 7% of all sick leaves but account for 45% of the related costs, are the main focus of the reform. The new rules specify a 31-day limit for the initial sick leave and a 62-day period for renewals, though doctors can make exceptions if a patient’s condition requires it. Starting from three months of sick leave, which is classified as long-term, the doctor must consult the health insurance medical service to assess the continuation of the leave and ensure it is properly documented. Dina Sarioui, a social law lawyer, notes that the reform reflects a broader policy of monitoring sick leave usage. However, the details on how this monitoring will be carried out, especially for long-term leaves or multiple renewals, are not yet clear. The only certainty is that going beyond the set time limits will require justification, which will be included in the sick leave certificate. The reform does not change the rules about how employers maintain an employee’s salary during sick leave. Employees who meet the conditions will continue to receive their daily allowances and any additional support from their employer. However, the new renewal rules might make this process more complex. While the reform could increase administrative work for both employers and employees, the goal is to prevent sick leaves from being extended for long periods unnecessarily.