{
  "id": 5029368,
  "title": "Krankmeldung: Wie sich Arbeitgeber gegen Blaumacher wehren können",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/krankmeldung-wie-sich-arbeitgeber-gegen-blaumacher-wehren-konnen",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-02T06:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/karriere/krankmeldung-wie-sich-unternehmen-rechtlich-gegen-krankfeierer-wehren-koennen/100180160.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "A recent report highlights how employers can combat \"blue rigging\" in Germany, where some employees falsely claim to be ill to boost their sick leave days. Between January and November 2025, German workers averaged 18.6 sick days per person, up from 13 days in all of 2021. However, it's unclear how many of these claims are genuine and how many are false. A Yougov survey from last year found that over one in four people have lied about their health, with 60% of employees admitting to falsifying sick leave at least once. Seven percent do this frequently. Companies must take action when employees repeatedly claim to be ill when they are fit to work. Both legal experts explain the legal options employers have against such \"sick feigners.\" Employers should promptly inform workers of their duty to report work incapacity and the duration of their inability to work. An illness certificate (AU) is required for absences longer than three days. The federal government is considering tightening this rule, but it has not yet become law. Employees must also behave in a way that promotes their recovery, though what this means in practice varies. If an employee claims to be ill without presenting an AU, the employer can refuse payment. Companies may also impose sanctions, such as reprimands or termination, if an employee cannot provide an AU. Detecting false sick leave can be tricky, as doctors rarely admit to making mistakes. Companies may also consider hiring a private detective, though this is not recommended due to legal risks.",
  "summary": "Aus dem Handelsblatt-Archiv: Ein Mitarbeiter meldet sich immer an Brückentagen und montags krank? Diese rechtlichen Möglichkeiten haben Firmen bei Verdacht auf Blaumachen.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "Krankmeldung: Wie sich Arbeitgeber gegen Blaumacher wehren können",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/krankmeldung-wie-sich-arbeitgeber-gegen-blaumacher-wehren-konnen",
        "published": "2026-09-01T12:27:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}