Irish Cancer Society welcomes paid sick leave announcement
Commenting on today’s approval by an Oireachtas committee of plans introduce paid sick leave for all workers, Irish Cancer Society Director of Advocacy Rachel Morrogh said: “Today’s announcement on paid sick leave is welcome for cancer patients, and we would appeal to Government to swiftly enact this legislation for their benefit.
Two in five cancer patients are of working age but do not have a legal entitlement to sick pay, and the provision of this vital financial support currently varies across employers, with those in low paid, temporary, private sector employment less likely to be covered. This can cause immense financial and psychological stress to people who already have enough on their plate as they deal with a life-changing diagnosis. The legislation will give cancer patients who are particularly vulnerable some peace of mind, when enacted. We appeal to Government to move quickly on this.
“In 2021, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) published research funded by the Irish Cancer Society on the barriers cancer patients face returning to work. One of the recommendations from that research was to pass legislation that would require employers to provide sick leave pay. The Irish Cancer Society wants safeguards in place so that people with cancer are better supported when they return to work and that financial pressures don’t drive them back to work before they are ready. This upcoming legislation is one element of many changes that are needed in the area of employment and cancer,” Ms Morrogh concluded.
Ireland is one of a small number of European states that has no legal obligation on employers to provide sick pay. Currently, the decision as to whether employees are paid during illness-related absences is at the discretion of the employer, meaning the provision of sick pay varies across employers and those in low paid, temporary or precarious employment are less likely to be covered. A 2019 survey* found that 44% of private sector employers provide employees with a contractual right to sick pay.
The Irish Cancer Society has a Benefits & Entitlements Service for anyone who has questions about what supports are available to them, which can be reached through our Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.
*https://www.cipd.ie/Images/cipd-pay-and-employment-survey-with-irn-march-2019_tcm21-55067.pdf
Contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line
If you have worries or concerns about cancer, you can speak confidentially to an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Nurse through the Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.
Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
