[Ireland] Government to review new research before decision on sick pay increases

The Irish government will review research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on statutory sick leave before deciding whether to increase payments in the future, The Journal reports.

When Simon Harris took over as Taoiseach in April he paused the expansion of the sick pay scheme and introduced a series of support measures for small businesses instead.

Before this, the government had promised to increase statutory sick leave from five to seven days from January 2025, going up again to 10 days from January 2026.

On May 15, enterprise minister Peter Burke reportedly announced the start of the anticipated small and medium business supports and stated that the Government will review research on the impact of statutory sick leave before deciding on the promised increases.

Mr Burke reopened the increased cost of business scheme, as part of the business support measures, for another 14 days. It was set up after the Budget to assist small businesses with rising costs.

Innovation and energy efficiency grants have been increased to €10,000, each. The business contribution rate on the latter decreased to 25 per cent.

Going forward, businesses in any sector with 50 or more employees will also be eligible for the trading online voucher (a €2,500 grant to set up an online store) and the digital business consultancy scheme (an assistance programme for online trading).

Microfinance Ireland loans - for small businesses and start-up ventures - have been doubled to €50,000.

Alongside these supports, an online hub for SMEs to access them will be established and a ‘best entrepreneur’ programme will be set up to encourage start-up businesses.

An enhanced ‘SME test’ research scheme - which helps the Government with policies to positively impact all businesses, regardless of size - will also reportedly be developed by the Department of Trade and Employment and the Department of the Taoiseach.

Source: The Journal

(Links via original reporting)

The Irish government will review research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on statutory sick leave before deciding whether to increase payments in the future, The Journal reports.

When Simon Harris took over as Taoiseach in April he paused the expansion of the sick pay scheme and introduced a series of support measures for small businesses instead.

Before this, the government had promised to increase statutory sick leave from five to seven days from January 2025, going up again to 10 days from January 2026.

On May 15, enterprise minister Peter Burke reportedly announced the start of the anticipated small and medium business supports and stated that the Government will review research on the impact of statutory sick leave before deciding on the promised increases.

Mr Burke reopened the increased cost of business scheme, as part of the business support measures, for another 14 days. It was set up after the Budget to assist small businesses with rising costs.

Innovation and energy efficiency grants have been increased to €10,000, each. The business contribution rate on the latter decreased to 25 per cent.

Going forward, businesses in any sector with 50 or more employees will also be eligible for the trading online voucher (a €2,500 grant to set up an online store) and the digital business consultancy scheme (an assistance programme for online trading).

Microfinance Ireland loans - for small businesses and start-up ventures - have been doubled to €50,000.

Alongside these supports, an online hub for SMEs to access them will be established and a ‘best entrepreneur’ programme will be set up to encourage start-up businesses.

An enhanced ‘SME test’ research scheme - which helps the Government with policies to positively impact all businesses, regardless of size - will also reportedly be developed by the Department of Trade and Employment and the Department of the Taoiseach.

Source: The Journal

(Links via original reporting)