Public sector faces sick leave cuts

The Government is proposing significant cuts in sick leave arrangements for staff in the public service at a meeting with trade unions this afternoon.

It is understood the Government will put forward proposals that would effectively reduce current sick leave arrangements by half.

It is expected that public service management will propose that staff who are absent from work on foot of doctor’s certificate would receive a maximum of three months on full pay and three further months on half-pay.

Management is also expected to seek to reduce maximum uncertified sick leave from seven to three days in a year.

There are also likely to be new arrangements for staff with serious long-term illnesses, under the Government plans, which are to be given to trade unions at talks at the Labour Relations Commission this afternoon.

Staff in the public service can currently receive full pay for certified sickness absence for up to six months in one year, and half-pay thereafter, subject to a maximum of 12 months of paid sick leave in any period of four years

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin said earlier this month that the Government’s current bill of more than €500 million per year on sick leave in the public service was “unsustainable”.