Additional leave compliance rules and complexities

Annual leave

Employees’ annual leave is calculated based on their age. While all employees get a minimum of 20 days’ paid leave each year, from age 25 onward, an employee’s annual leave increased by 1 day for every 3 years of their 20s, and for every 2 years of their 30s and 40s.

Sick leave

Employees get 15 days’ sick leave each year at 70% of their salary, which is paid by the employer. For long-term illnesses of 16 days or more, sick pay will be between 50% and 60% depending on how long the employee’s been in the post.

Maternity and paternity leave

Women get 24 weeks of maternity leave, but if they wish, they can take up to three years off on benefits. As for paternity leave, fathers can take up to five days’ paid leave following the child’s birth. Parents can take additional parental leave in a number of ways until the child turns 16. For example, if a couple has more than two children, one parent can take up to 7 additional days’ parental leave each year at 70% of their salary.