The application of Covid-related special leave with pay in the civil and public service is changing, on foot of revised recommended isolation periods and updated public health advice.

From next Monday (7^th February), Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) guidance will be that special leave with pay for those with Covid-19 will be applicable for a maximum of ten consecutive calendar days for all new cases, including those advised to self-isolate because they are displaying symptoms and/or have received a positive PCR test result.

Special leave with pay is not available to staff who are merely required to restrict their movements, and who don’t need to self-isolate. DPER has advised employers to facilitate home working in these situations.

The special leave with pay facility only applies to staff who are rostered to be working, and special leave with pay can’t be substituted for annual leave or other forms of leave.

Read the revised DPER FAQs HERE.

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