Sick Leave – the how’s and when’s

Feeling ill? Need to see a doctor and have time off? Make sure you know how your sick leave entitlement works

How much Sick Leave do you have?

Sick leave works in a three-year cycle.  An employee may take one day’s sick leave for every 26 days worked during the first six months of employment and thereafter an employee may take the number of days he/she normally works in six weeks during every three year cycle.

Basically, an employee is entitled to 30 (if he/she works five days a week) or 36 (if he or she works six days a week) days’ paid sick leave for every three-year sick leave cycle.

Who does this not apply to?

The provisions for sick leave do not apply to workers who work less than 24 hours a month, or workers who receive compensation for an occupational injury or disease.

When do I need a Medical Certificate or Sick Note? 

An employee may be requested to produce a valid medical certificate if he/she has been absent from work for more than two days in a row or more than twice in eight weeks.  If the employee does not have a valid medical certificate, the employer does not have to pay the employee.  The medical certificate must be issued and signed by a medical practitioner or any other person who is certified to diagnose and treat patients and who is registered with a professional council established by an Act of Parliament.