A Killarney-based HR consultant has expressed disappointment and frustration at what he says is a very disrespectful way of dealing with the implementation of statutory sick pay.
Damien McCarthy of HR Buddy points out that Taoiseach Simon Harris had bandied about the idea of pausing the ramp up of the five-day sick pay entitlement in 2024 to a seven-day entitlement in 2025.
“This was reported widely as a possible effort to support businesses in the new year and it was originally floating around in May of this year and again in the lead up to the Budget.
“This has caused confusion for businesses and workers towards the end of the year as it seems that government has gone silent on this,” he said.
Mr McCarthy said his office has sought clarity and concrete direction from the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment over the last number of weeks but no concrete clarification has been received as to whether the statutory sick pay entitlement in 2025 will be five or seven days.
“I would presume, and I am presuming because the Government department cannot deliver a concrete answer, that it will remain as intended in legislation and ramp up to the seven-day statutory entitlement from January 1st,” the Killarney consultant said.
Mr McCarthy said not providing clarity in November is disappointing and not good enough for any business that would sit down well before November and work out their budgets for the upcoming year.
He said it was disrespectful to employers as well as workers.
“The political idea that the way to support businesses is through impacting negatively on workers is an unfortunate and insecure way of doing politics in my opinion.
“Employment relationships should be treated with more respect by politicians and businesses need proper supports, instead of being pitted against their workers’ rights,” Mr McCarthy said.
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