Effective from 1 January 2023, the new statutory sick pay scheme came into effect.
Employers must ensure that they are ready to comply with their obligations. Some steps that may help employers are:
- Sick leave payments will need to be reflected in employee payslips. Employers should review their payroll processes to ensure this can be done.
- Sick pay is paid by the employer at 70% of the normal pay subject up to a maximum of €110 a day and a maximum of 3 days per year.
- Employers must keep proper records and any failure to keep proper records is an offence and attracts a maximum fine of €2,500.
- Employment contracts should be reviewed. Update existing sick leave policy where necessary.
- Notify staff in writing.