Working for more than one employer is no longer surprising and difficult to reconcile. The problem arises when an employee wants to use L4 during illness. Today, sick leave almost always applies to both (or more) jobs. However, this will change from 2027.
The new regulations are intended to increase the flexibility of the system, although at the same time they raise serious doubts among experts. The greatest controversy concerns the criteria for granting L4 and the risk of losing the right to benefits.
L4 in two jobs 2026 – can you work on sick leave?
Changes in regulations affect millions of Poles working several jobs. As “Gazeta Prawna” reminds, in 2025, ZUS registered as many as 22.4 million sick leaves, which translated into 277.6 million days of absence. New regulations may significantly affect the labor market and the way L4 is used.
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It is worth recalling that from April 13, 2026, the approach to the loss of sickness benefit is changing. The new regulations provide that an insured person will lose the right to benefits for the entire period of leave from work if, during the period of declared incapacity for work, he or she performed gainful work or undertakes activities that are inconsistent with the purpose of the leave.
L4 in one company, normal work in another
Much more serious changes will come into force from the beginning of 2027, when an employee employed by two employers will be able to take L4 only from one of them. Currently, sick leave is almost always issued to all employers.
As “Gazeta Prawna” explains, the new solution will allow you to choose the employer to which the L4 from the doctor will go. Everything will be done at the request of the insured person, and sick leave will not apply to paid work, the nature of which will allow you to perform your duties even during illness.
The new sick leave raises concerns
The regulations that will come into force from 2027 raise doubts among experts. In an interview with “Gazeta Prawna”, they point out that only the type of work is decisive, not the place or conditions of its performance. This raises questions about why an employee can be on sick leave in one company and work in another.
See also: ZUS is introducing a revolution in L4 inspections. In 2026, it will receive new tools
Particularly problematic may be cases of psychiatric leave or situations where the work is formally the same but the workload differs. ZUS announces that each case will be considered individually, and specific answers will appear only after the regulations enter into force. Experts warn that in the first years this may cause chaos and uncertainty among employees.
Consequences of unfair use of L4
Using sick leave contrary to its intended purpose may have serious financial and professional consequences. If irregularities are detected, such as the patient's absence at the given address without medical justification or performing other paid work during L4, ZUS immediately suspends the payment of sickness benefit. Moreover, the authority may demand the return of already paid benefits together with interest, which in the case of longer leaves means the need to pay back even several thousand zlotys.
