In Portugal, the Temporary Incapacity Certificate (CIT), known as "sick leave", is an official document that certifies a worker's temporary inability to carry out their professional activity due to illness or accident. This certificate allows the worker to justify their absence from work and access sickness benefit, an allowance granted by the Social Security system to compensate for the loss of pay during the period of incapacity.
Recent trends in sick leave in Portugal
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of sick leaves in Portugal. Data from 2018 indicates that in the first three months of that year, an average of 5,000 sick leaves were recorded per day, representing an increase of around 800 per day compared to the same period in 2017.
This sharp rise in sick leave can be attributed to a number of factors, including the ageing of the working population, the increased prevalence of chronic illnesses and workers' greater awareness of their labour and health rights.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, has put additional pressure on the healthcare system and the labour market in Portugal. Although specific data on the impact of the pandemic on sick leave is not detailed in the available sources, it is reasonable to infer that there has been an increase in sick leave due to COVID-19 infections, mandatory quarantines and other complications related to the pandemic.
CITs and Sickness Benefits: Updated Statistics
According to the most recent statistics from Social SecurityIn November 2024, the number of people receiving sickness benefits was 176,157. This figure reflects the number of workers who were receiving sickness benefits that month due to temporary incapacity for work.
Geographical and sectoral distribution of sick leave
Although specific data on the geographical and sectoral distribution of sick leave is not detailed in the available sources, it is possible that there are significant variations between different regions and sectors of activity. Factors such as working conditions, exposure to occupational risks and access to health services can influence the incidence of sick leave in different areas and sectors.
Costs associated with sick leave
The increase in the number of sick leaves has significant financial implications for the social security system in Portugal. The payment of sickness benefits represents a considerable portion of expenditure on social benefits. Although specific data on total costs is not detailed in the available sources, the increase in the number of beneficiaries suggests an increase in the associated expenditure.
How to manage the increase in sick leave in Portugal?
To tackle the increase in sick leave, various measures have been implemented, including:
- Health Promotion in the WorkplaceInitiatives aimed at improving working conditions and promoting healthy lifestyle habits among workers, with the aim of reducing the incidence of occupational and common diseases.
- Strengthening Occupational Health Services: Increasing the capacity of occupational health services to monitor workers' health and implement preventive measures.
- Rehabilitation and reintegration programmesDevelopment of programmes to facilitate the return to work of workers after periods of incapacity, ensuring that they do so in a safe and sustainable way.
The Future of Sick Leave in Portugal: What to Expect?
The ageing of the population and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases suggest that the number of sick leaves could continue to rise in the coming years. It is essential that effective public policies are adopted to promote the health and well-being of workers, as well as to guarantee the sustainability of the Social Security system in the face of this challenge.
Sick Leave: How to Ensure a Sustainable Balance
Recent statistics indicate a significant increase in the number of sick leaves in Portugal, reflecting challenges for both the health system and the labour market. The implementation of preventive and health promotion measures, combined with effective policies for managing temporary disabilities, will be crucial to tackling this phenomenon and guaranteeing the well-being of workers and the sustainability of the social protection system.
If you need a sick leaveMédico na Net offers a fast and secure service, with a professional assessment and all the necessary support for your situation.
