A new statutory entitlement to employer paid sick leave has come into effect since the beginning of the year.
Workers are now entitled to up to three days’ employer paid sick leave in a year, paid at 70% of gross salary up to a cap of €110 per day.
Under the Sick Leave Act 2022, it is intended that the entitlement will rise to up to 10 days’ sick leave in a year by 2026.
Enterprise, Trade and Employment minister Simon Coveney said: “This new entitlement to paid sick leave is the latest in a series of improvements to rights and social protections for workers and the self-employed in recent years.”
“As with all workers rights legislation, this new law sets out the minimum standard that an employer must provide. Many employers have superior sick pay schemes to help attract and retain staff or on foot of an agreement with a trade union.”
Where an employee has an extended period of illness, the scheme will operate seamlessly with the existing illness benefit system which kicks in on day four of an absence. Once the employee has exhausted their entitlement to employer paid sick leave, they will move onto illness benefit, if eligible.
An employee must obtain a Medical Certificate to avail of statutory sick pay and is subject to the employee having worked for their employer for a minimum of 13 weeks.
In further changes to employment legislation, the National Minimum Wage has also been increased from €10.50 to €11.30 per hour. In real terms, this 7.6% increase will see someone who works a 39 hour week on the National Minimum Wage, receiving a pay increase of €31.20 per week or more than €120 per month or €1,600 per annum.
The Carter Anhold team have extensive experience and expertise with Employment Legislation. Should you wish to speak with one of our solicitors please contact us 071-9162211 or via email on info@carteranhold.ie
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