Alicante experiences a historic rise in sick leave and disability claims
There is an unprecedented rise in sick leave across the province of Alicante. The post-pandemic economy has pushed employment to new highs, yet a sharp increase in temporary disability processes is evident. The surge appears unleashed, reaching levels unseen since the real estate boom, driven by widespread illness and, in some measures, higher than past peaks.
Last year, the absolute number of cancellations exceeded prior totals, with 165,288 procedures initiated in the province, according to official SSI data. This figure marks a 45% increase from the previous year, 32% higher than 2019 before the outbreak, and nearly 5% above the peak year 2007. These comparisons reflect changing numbers of contributors, which explains part of the growth in withdrawals, but the main concern remains the rising average incidence. Up to last year, 23.28 months of leave were recorded per 1,000 employees, compared with 16.86 in 2021 and 18.42 in the year before the pandemic. The current volume approaches the levels seen during the housing bubble era.
Another indicator shows the prevalence of leave among workers reached an all-time high at 38.7 per thousand. In simple terms, about 23,000 Alicante residents were affected by illness or conditions necessitating leave.
This trend is echoed across the country and has prompted concerns among business leaders about the productivity impact of this recovery phase. Unions have expressed worries about what the increase signals for the sector and worker health on the job. They have brought the topic into the discussion around the Employment and Collective Bargaining Agreement, seeking feasible solutions, though progress remains challenging.
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Experts point to a mix of factors behind the rise in sick leave. A frequent factor is the uptick in mental health challenges and work-related stress. The president of the Valencian Cultural Association of Family and Community Medicine notes that many patients struggle to cope with workload and pressure. This sentiment is echoed by other medical leaders who have long warned about the lasting effects of the pandemic on mental health.
Statistics from regional medical authorities also indicate that mental health concerns and musculoskeletal disorders have become dominant reasons for leave, with more than half of withdrawals linked to these issues.
Saturation
The doctors interviewed also highlight that the saturation of public health services and waiting lists contribute to longer diagnostic and treatment times, pushing more workers toward taking leave while they wait. They also note an aging workforce, with one in five workers in the province over 55, which supports the case for a longer working life.
Further, labor law scholars point to improving working conditions and increased employment reluctance to exercise rights due to perceived consequences. Temporary workers, in particular, may be less likely to take sick leave, underscoring the policy impact of changes enacted in the previous year to strengthen protections for affected employees.
There is also debate about potential misuse of leave. Some industry leaders argue that certain absences may be linked to avoidance of layoffs, a concern raised by professionals in the Alicante social sector. They call for a collaborative table with unions to address the issue, aligning with the National Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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Unions are participating in the discussion but face challenges in identifying the root causes of increased losses. They point to common illnesses arising from workplace conditions and advocate treating them as occupational diseases when appropriate. Notable voices in this debate include leaders from CC OO and UGT who emphasize mental health and cancer cases associated with work.
A larger role for partners is suggested in the current Agreement on Employment and Collective Bargaining. The proposal urges Public Administrations to collaborate with partner parties to conduct diagnostic tests and provide timely treatments, aiming to reduce waiting lists and shorten leave durations for workers facing health issues.