A teacher who was on sick leave for more than 16 years refused a request from her employer to undergo a medical exam.

The anonymous German teacher first took leave in 2009 due to medical issues.

She has since continued to draw a full salary from the education authority of the west German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Under Germany’s basic law, teachers are classed as ‘beamte’ – or public servants – and enjoy several benefits over other state sector workers including a special health plan, a higher pension and better job security.

Beamte are also allowed to take a full salary while on sick leave indefinitely.

However, the unidentified teacher has sued the authority after it began to challenge her extended absence and requested she take a medical test.

Her case was rejected by a cou

See Full Page