Sick and pressured — Državni inspektorat · Croatia

Direct answer

A valid sick note means you are not available for work, and an employer cannot demand tasks, calls or an early return; nor may they dismiss you because you are ill in most EU countries. Keep the pressure in writing (screenshot the messages) and answer once, politely, that you are unfit and will follow your doctor. Državni inspektorat — inspekcija rada (01 2375 100) supervises employers and takes complaints about pressure and unlawful dismissal during illness; Vaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica) (sssh.hr) represents you; Your family doctor (GP) issues and extends the note and can write that contact must stop.

Call firstDržavni inspektorat — inspekcija rada

Report toVaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica)

If that failsYour family doctor (GP)

🗣️ What to say

"I am on certified sick leave until [date] and unfit for work. I cannot take on tasks or calls during this period, as my doctor has confirmed. Please direct any questions to my written contact and stop contacting me about work until I am back. I will send the certificate for any extension on time."

🪜 Step by step

Send the certificate on timeWithin the deadline your contract or the law sets (often 3 days). This is the one obligation you have.
Answer once, in writingCalm, short, final. Then stop answering calls about work.
Keep evidenceMessages, missed-call lists, emails demanding work or a return date.
Complain to Državni inspektorat — inspekcija radaLabour inspectorates take pressure during illness seriously, especially with a paper trail.
Dismissed while sick? Vaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica)Contest within the short deadline — see the dismissal page. Illness is a protected period in most countries.

📇 All contacts

Državni inspektorat — inspekcija radaEmployer inspections, fines, reports onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 01 2375 100 🔗 dirh.gov.hr/podnosenje-prijava/83

Vaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica)Legal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.sssh.hr

Your family doctor (GP)First point of contact for any health questionBefore a specialist, for a referral or a sick note

Općinski sud — radni sporRequest to the employer within 15 days, lawsuit within 15 daysWithin 15 days of the dismissal🔗 sudovi.hr

❓ Frequently asked

Can they send a doctor to check me?

The social-security or insurance doctor can examine you; the employer's own doctor cannot. You must attend the official check, not the employer's.

Can they cut my pay?

Sick pay follows the law and the contract: full pay for a period, then a social-security benefit. Unilateral cuts are reportable to Državni inspektorat — inspekcija rada.

Can they fire me for being sick too long?

After long-term illness some countries allow dismissal with conditions and compensation; never in the first weeks or months, and never for the illness itself without procedure.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🤒 I am on sick leave and my employer pressures me to work or return — what are my rights?