Increase to paid sick leave entitlements in New Zealand…
The law on sick leave has changed, increasing the minimum sick leave entitlement from 5 days to 10 days for every 12 month period. This change came into effect on the 24th of July 2021.
The increase in employer funded sick leave for employees has been bought on primarily in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has shown how important it is for people to stay home from work when they are sick. The increase is also designed to promote workplace productivity and align with views on health and fairness to employees.
The additional sick days will become available to employees when they reach their next sick leave entitlement date, this is either;
- 12 months after their last sick leave entitlement; or
- In the case of new employees, after 6 months of continuous employment.
The law change has not changed the entitlements of employees that already receive 10 days or more of sick leave each year.
The maximum amount of unused sick leave an employee can accumulate is not affected by this law change and remains at 20 days, however only 10 days of unused sick leave will carry over to the next 12 month period.
Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-price Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are. At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.