Statutory sick pay: 5 paid days a year, from your employer

If you're off longer than 5 days, Illness Benefit from Social Protection takes over from day 6, if you have the PRSI. Unused days don't carry into next year.

What you're entitled to

"Since 1 January 2024 , you have a right to 5 days' sick pay a year (increased from 3 days in 2023)." "Sick pay is paid by your employer at 70% of your normal pay up to a maximum of €110 a day." Days can be taken together or separately.

"Your employer cannot apply 'waiting days' before you get Statutory Sick Pay." A more generous company scheme replaces it; you can't get both.

Who qualifies

You must "Have worked for your employer for at least 13 continuous weeks before you are sick" and "Be certified by a medical practitioner as unable to work". Probation, apprentices, agency workers and people over pension age all qualify.

"If you have multiple employers, you can get 5 days of paid sick leave from each employer, once you have 13 weeks of service with that employer before you are sick."

Longer illness

"Your Illness Benefit starts from day 6." "No. Statutory Sick Leave can only be used in the calendar year it is due." Certified sick days during your holidays don't count as annual leave.

If you don't get it

"You are protected from being victimised or penalised for claiming your rights under sick leave legislation." Raise it with your employer, then complain to the Workplace Relations Commission. "You must make your complaint within 6 months of the dispute."

Common questions

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