Minimum sick leave entitlements increased from 5 to 10 days per year from 24 July 2021. Employees get the extra five days per year when they reach their next entitlement date. The entitlement date will be either after reaching 6 months’ employment or on their sick leave entitlement anniversary (12 months after they were last entitled to sick leave).
Sick leave increasing to 10 days
Sick leave is paid time off work if an employee, their spouse, partner, dependent child, or other person who depends on them is sick or injured.
If you have a workplace issue, you may want to use the Early Resolution Service to resolve it early, quickly and informally.
COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme: Support is available in situations where employees need to stay away from work and cannot work from home due to COVID-19.
Sick leave entitlements
Most employees are entitled to 10 days’ sick leave a year depending on how long they’ve worked for the same employer, and their entitlement date.
Medical examination
In some situations, employees may be required to have a medical examination or be suspended from the workplace.
Sick leave and ACC payments
What an employee is entitled to if they have an accident or injury that is covered by ACC.
Tools and Resources
Employee Learning Module
Sick leave, bereavement leave, alternative holidays, and public holidays – employee rights and responsibilities.