Leo Varadkar

There is currently no legal obligation on Irish employers to pay workers during periods of illness. Statutory sick pay introduces such an obligation on employers to pay an employee who is unable to work because of illness.

Speaking on the launch of the consultation, Tánaiste and Employment Minister Leo Varadkar said: “Ireland is one of only a small number of European countries in which there is no legal obligation on employers to provide for sick pay, in the way they do annual leave for example.

“This needs to change and I am committed to introducing a statutory sick pay scheme that works for employees and employers as quickly as possible.”

He added: “The scheme must be designed so that it protects employees, particularly low paid and vulnerable workers, but it also needs to be fair and affordable for employers, many of whom have faced great difficulties this year.

“I encourage employers and employees alike to engage with this consultation and make their views known.”

The consultation, which is now accessible online, will run until Friday 18 December 2020.