Starting January 1, 2024, the statutory sick leave entitlement will be extended to 5 days for the entire calendar year, marking a 2-day increase from the 2023 allowance. It’s important to note that any unused sick leave expires at the end of each calendar year.

Regarding potential adjustments in Illness Benefit waiting days due to this sick leave extension, the Department of Social Protection manages the Illness Benefit. Collaboration between the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment with their Social Protection counterparts is ongoing to ensure a seamless interface between both systems.

In situations where an employee remains unfit for work and on statutory sick leave at the end of a calendar year, they would transition to illness benefit. However, if they resume work in the following calendar year, they regain access to their full statutory sick leave entitlement for that year.

Will part-time employees also have a 5-day entitlement?

Yes. The Act doesn’t distinguish between full and part-time employees. However, the payment rate (set at 70% of gross earnings, capped at €110) is determined based on an individual’s average earnings in the previous reference period. This indirectly reflects the income differences between full-time and part-time employees.

What if an employee had multiple employers?

Each employer, after the completion of a 13-week service requirement, must grant 5 days of statutory sick leave. However, the payout is contingent upon submission of a valid medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Employers bear the responsibility of implementing internal controls to prevent fraudulent claims.

The Sick Leave Act 2022 took effect on January 1, 2023. As part of a 4-year strategy, the statutory sick leave entitlement began at 3 days per year in 2023 and will progressively rise to 10 days by 2026.

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