IMPACT advised union branches in November of continuing discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) on transitional arrangements for serious illnesses prior to the introduction of the new sick leave scheme.

Unions highlighted the fact that people who, in 2011 and 2012, were entitled to be paid sick pay for up to one year, and who would now be entitled to the same under the Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) are left in a situation where, if they exceeded 6 months on sick leave in those 2 years, are now off pay the moment they take any sick leave.

We are now confident that agreement will be reached that management discretion will be available under the new scheme to deal with such cases.  Agreement on the text of a circular is expected early in the new year.