What are the key changes to employment law under the scheme?

This new scheme aims to bring Ireland in line with many other European countries that already have mandatory paid sick leave for employees in place. It introduces new rights and protections for employees by providing the legal entitlement for them to be paid while off sick.

The scheme provides employees who have 13 weeks’ continuous service with sick pay for up to three days of certified sick leave per year. However, this entitlement will increase over a period of four years, with the number of days being covered by the scheme going from three in 2023 to five days in 2024, seven days in 2025, and a maximum of 10 days in 2026.

The introduction of the SSP scheme by the government is largely in response to the recognition during the pandemic for the need for greater security for employees. Currently, an employee whose employer doesn’t provide paid sick leave can apply for Illness Benefit. Illness Benefit is payable at a flat rate of €203 per week and is subject to an employee meeting a minimum number of previous PRSI contributions.