HC Deb 03 July 1979 vol 969 c567W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the members of the European Community which require employers to pay full earnings throughout short periods of sickness; and if he will state the period involved in each case.

Mr. Prentice

I understand that the position at 1 January 1979 was as follows in those member States where social security benefit is not paid during short periods of sickness and employers pay earningsBelgium: Employer pays full earnings for all employees for the first seven days of sickness. For the next 23 days he pays full earnings for salaried employees and part earnings for other employees. Denmark: Employer pays 90 per cent. of earnings (up to a maximum) for the first three weeks of sickness. Germany: Employer pays full earnings (up to a maximum) for the first six weeks of sickness.

Further details are given in the comparative social security tables for member States of the European Communities which are compiled by the Department. A copy of the tables is in the Library of the House.