Sick Leave Bill 2022 passed by Oireachtas

All workers in Ireland will have the right to paid sick leave as the Sick Leave Bill 2022 was passed by Oireachtas this week.

When it comes into force the new law will see all workers in Ireland having the right to a minimum of three days paid sick leave per annum.

Yearly increase

The new scheme will start with three days paid sick leave per year, rising to five days in year two, seven days in year three, and employers will eventually cover the cost of ten days in year four.

Sick pay will be paid by employers at a rate of 70% of an employee’s wage, subject to a daily maximum of €110. It can be revised over time by ministerial order in line with inflation and changing incomes.

Medical certificate

An employee must obtain a medical certificate to avail of statutory sick pay, and the entitlement is subject to the employee having worked for their employer for a minimum of thirteen weeks. Once entitlement to sick pay from their employer ends, employees who need to take more time off may qualify for illness benefit from the Department of Social Protection subject to PRSI contributions.

Speaking about the announcement Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar T.D. said,

“No worker should feel pressurised to come into work when they are unwell. It’s not good for their own health obviously, but it’s also bad for their colleagues, any customers they deal with and their employer. From later this year, all workers will have the safety net of knowing they will not lose out on payment if they are unwell and can’t come into work.”

“This is a brand-new employment right, one of five new workers’ rights we’re bringing in this year and is building on our work to date to make work pay and improve terms and conditions for workers."