Message #57453

[duque]

Crumbs, I'm really surprised with the system used in UK and USA. As you may know I'm in Spain, and while the general opinion is that Spain is a very backward country (spaniard's opinion as well) I belive our system is far much better than yours.

My first question would be how can you know whether and when you will be ill? It's not something you can plan. In Spain we do not have a fixed illness allowance, but if you're ill you take whatever time necessary off work, though always under the supervision of a Doctor in the social security system.

The first three days of sick leave, the company pays your salary. As from the fourth day off onwards, your salary is paid by the Social Security, through your own company; This way it does not cost the company anything and you don't realise anything different is happening.

The only limit would be that if you are on sick leave for over 18 months, (say for severe back problems, etc.) you would then "leave" the company and get a permanent state pension.

Penny.