Sick Leave Entitlements

Last updated: Fri, Sep 15th, 2017 12:41:31 pm

A teachers’ entitlement to sick leave is outlined in Chapter 3 of the Web Book, Terms and Conditions of Employment for Registered Teachers  and in the Department of Education and Skills Occupational Health Strategy which may be found on the DES website.

All categories of Sick Leave and the conditions attaching are outlined for the information of teachers and to Support and assist school Managers/Principals in their staff management role and to determine the circumstances in which a teacher’s absence is covered by paid substitution.

The particular attention of Principals and Boards of Management is drawn to the following:

Self-Certified Sick Leave

A teacher is permitted to take a maximum of 7 self-certified sick leave days in a rolling 2 year period.

Certified Sick Leave

In all circumstances a medical certificate must be furnished following four consecutive school days of absence.

Critical Illness Leave

Extended sick leave may be granted to a teacher who becomes incapacitated as a result of critical illness. The granting of such extended leave is subject to the procedures set down in the Occupational Health Service Standard Operating Procedures Manual for Boards of Management. The OHS service is currently provided by Medmark Occupational Health, 28 Penrose Wharf, Penrose Quay, Cork

Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR)

A teacher who has a minimum of 5 years pensionable service may be granted further leave with temporary rehabilitation remuneration where the period of paid sick leave has been exhausted.

Referral of teachers to the Occupational Health Service

Non-discretionary Referrals

  • Any teacher who has 4 weeks continuous or cumulative sick leave absence in a twelve month rolling period must be referred to the Occupational Health Service.

  • Any teacher who has been absent on any period of TRR must be referred to the OHS prior to the resumption of duties.

  • Any teacher who has been on long term leave of absence of any kind in excess of two full years must, prior to a return to teaching, undergo a medical assessment and be deemed medically fit by the OHS.

Discretionary Referrals

A teacher may be referred to the OHS where the school has reasonable concerns relating to their medical fitness to teach. The school should refer to the guidelines provided in the OHS Standard Operating Procedures Manual when making a referral to the OHS.

The Employee Assistance Service

An Employee Assistance Service is available to provide teachers and their immediate family members with easy access to confidential counselling and to assist in coping with the effect of personal and work-related issues. The service which is free and confidential is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Counselling is provided on issues such as health, relationships, addictions, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma.