What is changing?
Up until now, there was no obligation for businesses to offer sick pay to their employees. However, in line with European standards, Ireland is beginning to implement a Statutory Sick Pay scheme to be introduced in all
businesses from 1 st January 2023.

What does this mean for me?

From 1st January 2023, employees with 13 weeks of continuous service will be entitled to be paid for 3 days of sick leave over the entire year. These can be on three separate occasions or over a single period of illness. The number of days will increase as follows: –

• 2023 – 3 days covered
• 2024 – 5 days covered
• 2025 – 7 days covered
• 2026 – 10 days covered

What do I need to do?
Any absence due to illness or injury will be required to be supported by a Medical Certificate obtained from and signed by a qualified general medical practitioner. In the event you do not submit a medical certificate, your employer will not be able to pay for the period of absence.

Do I get Full Pay?
Statutory sick pay will be paid by the company at a rate of 70% of your salary, subject to a daily maximum of €110.

What happens if I’m sick longer than the days covered?
Should you experience further absences from work over and above the allocated days in each year, illness benefit may be payable from the Department of Social Protection directly to you, subject to certain PRSI eligibility requirements. Illness Benefit is normally paid directly by Social Welfare. You should register your claim on MyAccount.ie.

What happens if I don’t use any sick days?
The days covered by Statutory Sick Pay apply for that year only. Entitlement does not accumulate, nor can it be carried over to the next year.