Ireland: bill published to introduce sick leave paid by employers

In line with plans announced last year, the Irish government has published a bill to introduce statutory sick pay from 2022. The sick pay scheme is to be phased in over a four-year period; employees that have completed 13 weeks of continuous service at their company will be entitled to three days’ sick pay in 2022, rising to five days in 2023, seven days in 2024 and 10 days in 2025. Ireland is one of the few advanced European countries without a compulsory employer sick pay scheme. Many companies have been paying sick pay, but rarely to low-paid employees or temporary workers. Now, all Irish workers will finally be able to benefit if they fall ill or have an accident. However, under the bill, employers may seek an exemption from granting sick pay if they are experiencing financial difficulties. Such an exemption may be granted for a minimum of three months and a maximum of one year. The rate compensation is not yet known but will be determined shortly by Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.