ABSTRACT
With very few exceptions, all people working in Sweden are insured through the Swedish general sickness insurance scheme, financed by the state budget. The health insurance charge should be reduced corresponding to the increase of sick pay costs. The suggestion created a big debate and was opposed by both employers' organisations and trade unions. After more than a year of debate and discussions, in April 2003 the government presented a bill to the parliament. In the bill, the government proposed a number of changes in legislation and work routines. Most important is that the employer has to present a plan for rehabilitation after 28 days of sick leave. The government also proposed that the sick pay period should be prolonged from two to three weeks. In order to save money for the state budget the bill also included a minor reduction of the compensation scheme for individuals.
