Entitlements while on Unpaid Leave

[Calluna]

Hi, I was just looking for general opinion about what type of entitlements people have while on unpaid leave? This isn't necessarily restricted to legal entitlements - it might also be how it works within a private company structure or their own internal policies. We allow people to take voluntary unpaid leave of up to 3 months for travel/study, where workload allows, etc, but my query would also apply to e.g. unpaid maternity leave, parental leave, etc.

I have worked off premise that e.g. holidays don't continue to accrue while you are unpaid, and we don't pay pension contributions. It can also affect your 'length of service' benefits e.g. additional annual leave that you might be privy to after x amount of years. Is it correct to apply these restrictions to someone on unpaid leave which is statutorily allowed? or should it only apply to our own internal 'unpaid leave' system? Any advice on what other companies do?

I suppose it comes down to whether someone is still employed while on unpaid leave or not? or is it as simple as that?

Sorry if confusing. Thanks in advance

 

[huskerdu]

You should read the relevant sections on [broken link removed] on meternity leave and parental leave, which make quite clear what rights an employee has while on leave.

In general, someone on Mat Leave or Parental leave, in not entitled to pay or pension contributions but loses no other enployement benefits, like annual leave entitlements and length of service entitlements.

 

[Calluna]

Thanks huskerdu - I have reviewed citizens information which addresses that there should be no loss of entitlements while on legally allowed leave such as maternity and parental, etc.

I would still have a query regarding how people tend to operate for leave that is non legally entitled. While it is good to be able to offer to people unpaid leave I feel that we need to demonstrate in advance how it might affect e.g. PRSI payments and subsequent entitlements, their annual leave, pension, etc. Suggestions as to how others in private sector operate are appreciated.