Parliament reviews public sector sick leave data for 2020-2024

The Cypriot Parliament has launched a review of sick leave data from 2020 to 2024 following an inquiry initiated by DISY MP Georgios Pamboridis and ALMA MP Litsa Drousiotou. Official figures provided by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos indicate that 10,700 public servants and long-term employees utilized sick leave in 2024. The data highlights a significant issue, with over 2,000 employees taking more than 27 days of leave, and 960 personnel exceeding the standard 42-day entitlement, some extending their absence for periods ranging from two to twelve months.

The current regulatory framework grants permanent public servants 42 days of fully paid sick leave annually, with eight days requiring no medical certification. Beyond this, extensions are possible through Medical Board approval, initially with full pay for six months and subsequently at 50% salary. Concerns have been raised regarding a recurring pattern where employees exhaust these allowances only to return for short periods before filing for further leave. Sector-specific analysis shows that the highest absenteeism rates are found in Mental Health, Welfare, and the prison system, prompting a broader investigation into workplace well-being and operational continuity within these government departments.