Sick Leave Entitlement

In the past, you had no legal right to be paid while you are on sick leave from work, but this changed in 2022.

On 20 July 2022, the Sick Leave Act 2022 became law.

The entitlement to sick pay starts on 1 January 2023, once the law is commenced.

From 1 January 2023, workers will have a right to:

• Paid sick leave for up to 3 sick days per year. This will increase to 5 days in 2024, 7 days in 2025 and 10 days in 2026.
• A rate of payment for statutory sick leave of 70% of normal wages to be paid by employers (up to a maximum €110 per day).
• Take a complaint to the WRC where they are not provided with a company sick pay scheme.

To be entitled to paid sick leave under the new scheme, you must be working for your employer for at least 13 weeks. You will also need to be certified by a GP as unfit to work.

If you cannot work because you are sick or injured, and you have enough PRSI contributions, you can apply to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for a payment called Illness Benefit.

If you do not have enough PRSI contributions, you should contact the Community Welfare Officer at your local health centre. They will assess your situation.