The Cyprus government is preparing structural reforms to tackle abuse of sick leave across the public sector, following concerns about employees remaining absent for years while still receiving pay, Labour Minister Marinos Mousiottas announced. The issue, highlighted initially regarding prison staff, extends to other government services where a small proportion of employees misuse sick leave entitlements.

Current procedures allow employees to take up to 42 days of sick leave before referral to a medical board, which can grant up to six months of full pay leave and another six months at half pay. Problems arise when employees briefly return to work before resuming sick leave, effectively restarting the paid leave cycle. Authorities have identified cases where public servants have been absent for many years without further review.

In a recent meeting with other ministers, Mousiottas emphasized the need for immediate structural measures to address the issue across all public sectors. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris criticized prolonged absences amidst ongoing reforms, noting that such patterns undermine staff demands. While only a minority misuse sick leave, reforms aim to ensure fairness and proper workforce management.