Employees and self-employed people on long-term sick leave must be monitored more closely by the health insurance funds and physically see a doctor three times a year, Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced in a press release.
Just over 485,000 people in Belgium had been home sick from work for more than a year, according to the latest figures from the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV) – two-thirds more than ten years earlier. Vandenbroucke is now introducing this bill to reverse the growing trend of long-term illness.
"Working is so important to feel good, to feel useful as well. It is about more than just earning money. But those who are – or have been – ill for a long time sometimes have difficulty finding a job again," he said. "We are opening new doors, because the return to work should be as easy as possible for people who can and want it. It is our duty as a government to facilitate this. And that is what we are doing."
'A revolution'
The number of people on long-term sick leave is increasing and will continue to do so in the years to come, Vandenbroucke stated. This is mainly due to the ageing population. "But the number of people returning to work part-time is increasing faster."
Anyone who becomes ill will be required to have a physical appointment with the health insurance funds after four, seven and 11 months – an approach which Vandenbroucke calls "a revolution." Even after 12 months (when someone is officially diagnosed as having a long-term illness), appointments remain mandatory.
The health insurance funds are on board with this new approach, Vandenbroucke confirmed. To make this manageable, they will work with a team in which the advising doctor is assisted by nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and clinical psychologists.
The last two are crucial because over 33% of those with long-term illnesses suffer from burnout or another mental illness, and another third suffer from a musculoskeletal condition, such as back pain. Thanks to this teamwork, the doctor will be able to delegate some tasks, but the decision about whether someone is too sick to work will still ultimately be taken by the doctor.
Credit: Karolina Grabowska
"It is essential that all service providers involved work together as well and smoothly as possible to ensure that a return to work for people with health problems goes as smoothly as possible," said Federal Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne.
The new campaign is aimed at guiding people through the landscape of providers who can support them in entering into a conversation with their employer about adapted work, looking for a new job or informing them about various training courses that they can follow.
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"It is never easy to get back to work after a long absence," said Minister of Civil Service Petra De Sutter. "Good guidance and support contribute to a success story: something where the Federal Government wants to set a good example as an employer."
De Sutter explained that the focus will be on coaching and also identifying what people can still do instead of what they may no longer be able to do. "Additionally, we provide other options such as resuming work at 40% or reorientation processes where you have the opportunity to look for a match between your talents and various government services. Tailor-made reintegration is what we are aiming for."
