Irish workers are set to receive new sick pay entitlements in the New Year.
The scheme aims to bring Ireland in line with other European countries. The scheme is being introduced on a phased four year basis, which will grant all workers 3 days of sick leave for 2023.
This will then five days in 2024, moving on to seven days in 2025, before eventually culminating in 10 days by 2026. Sick pay will total 70% of an employee’s wage, subject to a daily maximum threshold of €110.
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The legislation is primarily meant to assist low paid employees who do not have entitlements to a company sick pay scheme. The Sick Leave Bill was approved by Cabinet back in March and later passed into law, but will only come into effect in the New Year.
Around half of Ireland’s workforce currently receive sick leave pay, with private sector workers being particularly disadvantaged by the previous lack of legislation. The scheme is being phased in gradually in order to assist employers with the changes, as many businesses currently grapple with the cost of living crisis.
Leo Varadkar previously said of the legislation back in March: "We’ve done a lot of consultation on this, with representatives from both the employee and employer side and although I know some will think it goes too far and others that it doesn’t go far enough, I think it has struck a fair and reasonable balance."
Workers must obtain a medical certificate to avail of the statutory sick pay, with the entitlement being granted for staff who have worked over 13 weeks in their current employment.
When sick pay entitlement ends, employees who need to take more time off may qualify for illness benefit from the Department of Social Protection, subject to PRSI contributions.
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