Coming into work with cold symptoms is now a no-no, and a new law in train will ensure statutory sick pay for the first time in this country

Until now, Irish employers have not been obliged to pay employees during sick leave, but new legislation changes that

Right to sick pay should apply to all employees regardless of length of employment and should include provision to be refunded for cost of medical certification, the Committee said

Remote working, new sick pay rules, flexible working and whistleblower legislation are just some of the issues facing employers this year

Whether they already provide paid sick leave or not, all employers should review their employment contracts, policies and procedures to ensure they comply with new law

The new scheme will begin on January 1 next year, with workers initially being entitled to three days of paid sick leave a year and then increasing to ten days of paid sick leave by 2025.

With employers to bear cost of new statutory sick pay, Tánaiste asks them to consider supports received from the state and taxpayer during the pandemic