Continued Wage Payment During Illness in Switzerland
In Switzerland, employees are entitled to continued wage payment during illness. Duration depends on years of service (Berne scale as reference) or on the employer's collective daily sickness allowance insurance. Many employers insure 80% of salary for 720 days.
Statutory Basis (OR Art. 324a)
Art. 324a OR obliges employers to continue paying wages for a limited period in cases of unforeseeable incapacity for work (illness, accident, pregnancy). The Berne scale serves as the reference: 3 weeks in the 1st year, 1 month in the 2nd year, 2 months in the 3rd–4th years, and so on, at 100% of salary.
Daily Sickness Allowance Insurance (KTG)
Many employers go beyond statutory obligation by subscribing to a collective daily sickness allowance insurance (Krankentaggeldversicherung, KTG). Standard benefits: 80% of salary (sometimes 90%) for 720 days within 900 days. Premiums are shared between employer and employee (typically 50/50). Coverage starts after the agreed waiting period (3, 14, or 30 days).
Medical Certificate and Notification
A medical certificate must be submitted to the employer within the contractually specified period (usually 3–5 days from the start of illness). Employers may request a certificate earlier if there is reasonable cause. They may not request a diagnosis – only confirmation of incapacity and expected return date.
Dismissal Protection During Illness
A time-limited dismissal protection (Sperrfrist) applies during illness (Art. 336c OR): 30 days in the 1st year of service, 90 days in years 2–5, 180 days from year 6 onward. Termination during this protection period is void. After the protection period expires, the employer may terminate subject to normal notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is continued wage payment during illness in Switzerland?
Statutory minimum per Berne scale: 3 weeks in year 1, then 1–2 months depending on years of service. With a KTG insurance policy: 80% salary for up to 720 days.
Do I always need to provide a medical certificate?
From the day specified in your contract (commonly day 3 of illness). Employers may request a certificate earlier with reasonable cause.
Can I be dismissed during illness?
Not during the statutory protection period (30, 90, or 180 days depending on years of service). Termination during this period is void. After expiry, normal notice applies.