Statutory Sick leave remaining at 5 days instead of 7 days as was laid out in legislation.

great announcement by Minister Burke and welcomed by employers.

With the addition of minimum wage to 13.50 per hour, auto enrolment launching in January 2026 (Employer Pension contributions), 10 bank holidays (A bill was proposed in 2021 to create two additional bank holidays on Last Monday in September and Last Monday in November each year)- this is great to have an acknowledgement that 7 days sick leave would put employers under pressure with rising staff costings - fair to leave at 5 days sick leave at 70% pay.

Minister Burke said:

“As Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I am committed to promoting working conditions in Ireland and boosting job creation. I must also ensure that we create a regulatory environment that allows businesses to remain viable, and, indeed, to thrive.

“Since the introduction of statutory sick leave in 2023, and subsequently the increase in the sick leave entitlement to 5 days in 2024, business owners and representative organisations, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, have consistently raised concerns about the cumulative impact of such regulatory measures in light of rising labour, input and energy costs. Five days’ sick leave strikes the right balance. It gives workers income protection for five days, after which Illness Benefit is there to support them.”