Health Minister Josie Osborne says no one should have to choose between their health and their job.

New rules now limit when employers can ask for sick notes and will allow more time for health-care providers to spend with patients.

Under the new employment standards regulations, employers cannot ask for a sick note for a worker’s first two health-related, short-term absences of five consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year.

“When you’re sick with the flu, or your child comes down with a cold, the last thing you should have to do is go to your doctor or a medical clinic to get a piece of paper saying you’re sick,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour.

“Unnecessary medical appointments take time away from patients who need to see their doctors and nurses, don’t help people get better any faster and risk further spread of illness.”

The changes are based on input from healthcare providers, who pointed to evidence that shows most minor illnesses for adults, such as a cold and influenza, have symptoms that typically resolve within five days.

The new regulations set a minimum standard and apply to all employees covered by the Employment Standards Act.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.