The Sick Leave Act 2022 has been signed into law by the
President. The Act, once commenced, will introduce an entitlement
to statutory sick leave and pay for the first time in Ireland. A
commencement order, along with regulations under the Act, which
will set out the prescribed daily rate of payment, are still
awaited. Employers should act now to ensure that policies are
updated to reflect the obligations contained in the
legislation.
Employee's entitlement to statutory sick leave
The Act, once commenced, will introduce an entitlement to
statutory sick leave for an employee who would ordinarily work but
is incapable of doing so due to illness or injury. Initially, an
employee will be entitled to up to three statutory sick leave days
per year but the Act provides that this number can be increased by
Ministerial order.
