Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

51. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on concerns raised by a small business owner (details supplied) in respect of upcoming sick leave changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5553/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sick Leave Act 2022 commenced on 1st January 2023, and introduced a new statutory right to employer-paid sick leave.

This Act will provide protection to employees who do not currently have employer-paid sick pay schemes, many of whom are low-paid and cannot afford to miss work. As a starting point, this scheme will cover the three waiting days before eligibility for Illness Benefit from the State. This is a progressive Act and will ensure that employees will have financial protection from day one of a medically certified absence.

Sick pay will be paid by employers at a rate of 70% of an employee’s wage, subject to a daily threshold of €110. The rate of 70% is set to ensure excessive costs are not placed on employers, who in certain sectors also have to deal with the cost of replacing staff who are out sick.

The scheme is being introduced on a phased basis in order to take account of the current economic climate and the existing financial pressures on businesses.

For those businesses who are genuinely unable to pay sick leave, Section 10 of the Act details the procedure for requesting exemption status through the The Labour Court.