Dublin: The Irish government has shelved a proposal to increase the statutory sick leave entitlement from five to seven days, citing potential negative economic impacts on key sectors such as retail and hospitality.
The decision, taken at Cabinet following a proposal from Enterprise Minister Peter Burke, was influenced by concerns that additional sick leave entitlements could raise wage costs in certain industries by up to 0.6% annually. Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe had earlier signaled reluctance to proceed with the measure, warning of its financial implications for businesses still recovering from recent economic pressures.
However, the move has sparked fierce criticism from trade unions and opposition parties, who accused the government of reneging on a key election commitment and undermining the rights of workers, particularly those on lower incomes.
“Sick leave is not a luxury—it is a basic right,” said Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove, accusing the government of betraying workers at a time when many are already struggling with the rising cost of living. “Ireland is one of the few countries in the EU and UK that does not yet fully guarantee this right, despite being among the wealthier nations.”
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) condemned the decision as “short-sighted,” warning that it would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and lowest-paid workers. General Secretary Owen Reidy described the move as “deeply disappointing and potentially damaging.”
The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) went further, calling the decision “unacceptable” and an attack on workers’ rights. Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis emphasised that this marked the second instance of the government failing to deliver on its pledge to expand sick leave, and called for the commitment to be honored without further delay.
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