These latest employment rights aims to facilitate employees who, for a serious medical reason, need to provide personal care or support to a child, spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, parent, grandparent, or sibling.

What to do if your employee takes medical care leave

In emergency circumstances, your employees are not required to give you notice that they are availing of medical care leave but they must provide you with written confirmation at the earliest opportunity. As soon as you are notified, you should accept the notification in writing. You then need to maintain records of both the notification and your acceptance.

As mentioned, employees can avail of up to 5 days unpaid medical care leave in any consecutive 12-month period. 

This new entitlement is one of several measures that became law under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. If you require further information and/or advice, contact your Payroll Specialist at 1800 714 050.