The Government have confirmed that new legislation will be introduced that will allow workers to build up paid annual leave whilst they are on long term sick leave.
The move was announced by the Minster of State for Business and Employment Ged Nash who said the new amendments to the current legislation will allow workers to carry over such accrued annual leave for up to 15 months after the leave year in question. It is understood the new rules are being introduced in order to comply with the rest of the European Union who currently have such laws in place. Minister Nash also said the new laws are being put in place to protect vulnerable workers. Mr Nash said: “We are striking the right balance between protecting the rights of vulnerable workers who are ill and trying to minimise the cost to business and the Exchequer, as well as implementing the requirements of the EU Directive on Working Time.”
The new laws were greatly welcomed by SIPTU’s Patricia King who said the new amendments to the legislation were a positive step. Ms King said: “It will mean that somebody who has been on sick leave recovering from an illness will now be able to avail of a normal annual leave entitlement without having to wait a lengthy time for that leave to apply to them.”