New Statutory Sick Pay Scheme

​On 20th July 2022 the Sick Leave Act was signed into law. The new scheme aims to bring Ireland in line with other European countries that have mandatory paid sick leave for workers in place. Under the legislation, employers will be obliged to provide a minimum number of paid sick days annually from 2022.

Currently, an employee whose employer does not provide paid sick leave can apply for Illness Benefit. However, the payment is a flat €203 per week and the worker must satisfy a minimum level of PRSI contributions. Under the new scheme, which will be rolled out in four phases, both full and part-time employees can avail of paid leave. They’ll be entitled to a rate of 70% of usual daily earnings up to €110 a day for three days.

​In 2024, this rises to five days of paid leave, before increasing again in 2025 (seven days) and 2026 (10 days). The eventual 10 days, or two working weeks, of sick pay per year will be in addition to other leave entitlements including annual leave, parental and maternity leave as well as public holidays.

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The staggered roll-out has been designed to avoid placing an excessive financial burden on employers. It gives them time to plan and budget for the additional costs. As an employer, you must keep proper records for each employee. The records must be maintained for four years and include information in relation to each employee who availed of sick leave.

The following information must be included in the records:

• The employee’s period of employment
• The dates of statutory sick leave in respect of each employee
• The rate of statutory sick leave payment in relation to each employee.

​An employer who fails to maintain accurate records may be convicted and subject to a fine of up to €2,500.