Project discussion: Increase Sick Leave Entitlements
Holidays (Sick Leave) Amendment Bill
Member's Bill
Explanatory Note
Currently New Zealand workers are entitled to five days paid sick leave a year, which can be taken when they, their partner, or a dependent is ill. However, recent research by Southern Cross Health Insurance has shown that while employees take on average only 4.2 sick days per year, they go to work when they are too sick to function an average of 11.1 days per year. This suggests that sick leave entitlements are too low.
This bill amends the Holidays Act to increase sick leave entitlements from 5 to 10 days a year. It also increases the amount of sick leave which can be carried over.
Clause by clause analysis
Clause 1 is the Title provision.
Clause 2 provides for the Bill to come into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
Clause 3 sets out the purpose of the Bill.
Clause 4 defines the Principal Act as the Holidays Act 2003.
Clause 5 amends s65 of the Principal Act to increase the entitlement to sick leave to 10 days.
Clause 6 amends s66 of the Principal Act to increase the amount of sick leave which can be carried over.
Holidays (Sick Leave) Amendment Bill
The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:
1. Title
This Act is the Holidays (Sick Leave) Amendment Act 2009.
2. Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it received the Royal Assent.
3. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to amend the Holidays Act 2003 to increase the entitlement to sick leave to 10 days.
4. Principal Act Amended
This Act amends the Holidays Act 2003.
5. Section 65 Amended
Section 65(2) is amended by omitting "5" and substituting "10".
6. Section 66 Amended
Section 66(2) is amended by omitting "15 days' sick leave to a maximum of 20" and substituting "20 days' sick leave to a maximum of 30"
