Sick leave rules

When you are ill, you must report your sickness as soon as possible and follow the procedure that applies at your workplace.

Typically call your immediate manager before your working day begins
You may only use SMS or email if this is the agreed procedure
Check your contract or staff handbook for the exact method
You do not need to disclose what illness you have, but you must give an estimate of when you expect to return. Remember also to inform your employer about any tasks or deadlines.

A correct sickness notification is a requirement for receiving salary during illness.

Communication During Sick Leave
Agree with your employer how you will stay in contact during your absence.

• Set up an email out-of-office reply
• Use SMS for initial contact, if appropriate
• You may not work while on sick leave
• You must respond if your employer contacts you and provide important information if needed for operations

Sick Leave Interview – What You Need to Know
Your employer must invite you to a sick leave interview no later than four weeks after your first day of absence. The purpose of the interview is to discuss how and when you can return to work.

• The conversation may take place by phone
• You are allowed to bring a support person
• You must inform your employer if your illness prevents you from attending in person
• During the conversation, you can discuss reduced working hours, special accommodations, and the possibility of working from home.

Your Municipality and Sickness Benefits
After 30 days of sickness, your municipality will open a sickness benefits case.

• Your employer applies for reimbursement
• You must confirm information in your digital mailbox (eBoks)
• You must respond within the deadline
• It is important that the information is correct — otherwise you risk
• losing your right to sickness benefits.

Medical Certificates
Your employer may ask you to obtain:

• A “free certificate” (confirmation of illness)
• A duration certificate
• A possibility certificate
• You must book an appointment with your doctor and send the certificate to your employer. They cover the cost, but you typically pay upfront and get reimbursed afterwards.

What Are You Allowed to Do While on Sick Leave?
You are allowed to:

• Go to a holiday home (although you should avoid leaving the country without agreement with your employer and the municipality)
• Go shopping
• Drop off and pick up children
• You may not do anything that worsens your condition. For example, if you have a back injury, avoid heavy lifting. If you have stress, light exercise may be beneficial. Always follow your doctor’s advice.

The 120-Day Rule
Some employment contracts include a special clause concerning sickness:

• You may be dismissed with one month’s notice if you have received full salary during sickness for 120 days within 12 months
• The dismissal must occur while you are still on sick leave
• The rule is complex, and we recommend contacting
• Pharmadanmark’s legal advisors if it applies to your situation.

Sick Leave and Holiday
Illness is an obstacle to taking holiday. You cannot take holiday while you are sick.

If you still wish to take holiday during your sick leave, for example to travel with your family, the following must happen:

• Your doctor must assess that it will not worsen your health
• Your municipality must record you as temporarily fit for work
• You must contact your doctor, municipality, and employer
• You may only take holiday once everything is in place.

When Your Child Is Ill
In cases of acute illness in your child, you often have the right to take leave on the child’s first sick day.

This does not apply to scheduled medical appointments
In those cases, use holiday or time off in lieu
Check your collective agreement or contract to see what applies to you