Employee Entitlement to Sick Leave in New Zealand
Under New Zealand employment law, employees are entitled to paid sick leave to protect their health and maintain work productivity. The minimum sick leave entitlement is 10 days per year once you qualify.
You qualify if you have:
- Worked for the same employer for 6 continuous months, or
- Worked an average of 10 hours per week, including at least 1 hour per week or 40 hours per month.
You may use sick leave for your own illness or to care for a sick spouse, partner, or dependent.
How Sick Leave Is Calculated and Carried Over
Sick leave is counted as full working days, even if you only take half a day off.
If you do not use all your sick leave in a year, you can carry it over up to 20 days. Employers may allow more carry-over by agreement.
If You Are Not Yet Eligible
If you haven’t qualified for new sick leave but have leftover days from previous years, you can still use those. You will not receive additional leave until you meet the eligibility criteria.
Employees must inform their employer as early as possible when taking sick leave. Employers can request a medical certificate if:
- You are absent for 3 or more consecutive days, or
- There is reasonable doubt about your illness.
If no other agreement exists, the employer usually covers the cost of the medical certificate.
Payment During Sick Leave
You are paid for sick leave in the pay period when the leave occurs. If sick leave overlaps with public holidays or annual leave, you may request adjustments to protect your entitlements.
Important Rules to Remember
- Employers cannot require employees to work extra hours to make up for sick leave.
- For disputes or more details, visit Employment New Zealand.
>>>>> Learn more here: Employment New Zealand – Sick Leave Guide
>>>>> Salary Regulations in New Zealand: Pay Dates and What You Need to Know
>>>>> Payslip Regulations in New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion: Know Your Sick Leave Rights in New Zealand
Sick leave rules in New Zealand ensure employees can maintain health without sacrificing income. Understand the conditions, entitlements, and procedures to protect your rights.
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