Covid-19: Special leave with pay

Special leave with pay is available to teachers who are self-isolating with Covid-19 symptoms while arranging testing or following a positive test result.

Up to seven days in one instance.

However, members should note that under the terms of Information Note TC/IN 0004/2023, from 22 May a maximum limit of 5 consecutive days Special Leave with Pay (includes weekends/school closures) will apply, in any one instance.

This change relects updated HSE guidance on self-isolation, and will not affect members who commenced Special Leave with Pay prior to 22 May, for whom the provisions outlined in DE Circular 38/2022 (seven consecutive days) will still apply.

No, it is separate from your sick leave, and you do not need to claim Illness Benefit while you’re on Special Leave with Pay.

In line with current public health advice, you should self-isolate, details here.

You should notify your employer that you are self-isolating, and should submit the form at Appendix A of circular 38/2022 (PDF). Your initial absence may be recorded as Covid-19: Special Leave with Pay on the OLCS.

When you are self-isolating with Covid-19 symptoms, you must arrange either an antigen or PCR test as soon as possible, and within one day of the onset of symptoms.

You can take up to seven days of Special Leave with Pay in one instance.

Members should note that under the terms of Information Note TC/IN 0004/2023, from 22 May 2023 a maximum limit of 5 consecutive days Special Leave with Pay (includes weekends/school closures) will apply, in any one instance. This change relects updated HSE guidance on self-isolation, and will not affect members who commenced Special Leave with Pay prior to 22 May, for whom the provisions outlined in DE Circular 38/2022 (seven consecutive days) will still apply.

If you have tested positive on a home antigen test, you should report your positive Covid-19 test through the HSE website here. You will receive a text from the HSE, a screenshot of which should be provided to your employer to support your absence on Special Leave with Pay.

If you tested positive on an HSE PCR test, you will receive a text with your results, a screenshot of which should be provided to your employer to support your absence on special leave with pay.

You will provide the form at Appendix A of circular 38/2022 (PDF) to your employer, with evidence of your HSE text message or other evidence of your positive test.

After you test negative for Covid-19, your initial period of special leave with pay will end.

If you are still unfit to work, the ordinary terms of the sick leave scheme will apply to your absence. This will include the requirement to provide a medical certificate if you are absent on sick leave for more than three consecutive days, or if you have taken seven days of self-certified sick leave in the past two years.
If you pay Class A PRSI, you are required to claim Illness Benefit if you are absent on sick leave for any period longer than three days, excluding Sunday, details here.

Please note, the initial period of special leave with pay, while you were symptomatic and awaiting testing, is not part of your sick leave, and you won’t claim Illness Benefit for this part of your absence.

Any period of self-certified sick leave will not have substitute cover.

There is further detail about the sick leave scheme for teachers in Chapter One of Circular 54/2019 (PDF)  and on the INTO website here.

Following your positive Covid-19 test, your school can re-classify the whole absence, to a maximum of seven consecutive days, as Covid-19: Special Leave with Pay.

Members should note that under the terms of Information Note TC/IN 0004/2023, from 22 May a maximum limit of 5 consecutive days Special Leave with Pay (includes weekends/school closures) will apply, in any one instance.This change relects updated HSE guidance on self-isolation, and will not affect members who commenced Special Leave with Pay prior to 22 May, for whom the provisions outlined in DE Circular 38/2022 (seven consecutive days) will still apply.

If you have tested positive on a home antigen test, you should report your positive Covid-19 test through the HSE website here. You will receive a text from the HSE, a screenshot of which should be provided to your employer to support your absence on Special Leave with Pay.

If you tested positive on an HSE PCR test, you will receive a text with your results, a screenshot of which should be provided to your employer to support your absence on special leave with pay.

You should submit the form at Appendix A of circular 38/2022 (PDF) to your employer, with evidence of your HSE text message or other evidence of your positive test.

If you are still unwell following this period of self-isolation, the normal terms of the sick leave scheme will apply to any further absence.

A medical certificate must be provided for any absence on sick leave in excess of three consecutive days, and if you pay Class A PRSI you need to claim Illness Benefit for any absence on sick leave for more than three consecutive days, excluding Sundays.

The obligations of teachers regarding illness benefit are set out in this DE information note (PDF).

There is further detail about the sick leave scheme for teachers in Chapter One of Circular 54/2019 (PDF) and on the INTO website here.

You can take a maximum of seven days of special leave with pay in any one instance, but if you are required to self-isolate again on a subsequent occasion, you can avail of further periods of special leave with pay, subject to the conditions of circular 38/2022.

Members should note that under the terms of Information Note TC/IN 0004/2023, from 22 May a maximum limit of 5 consecutive days Special Leave with Pay (includes weekends/school closures) will apply, in any one instance.

This change relects updated HSE guidance on self-isolation, and will not affect members who commenced Special Leave with Pay prior to 22 May, for whom the provisions outlined in DE Circular 38/2022 (seven consecutive days) will still apply.

Special leave with pay is not available for the purpose of attending a vaccination or booster appointment.

Sick leave can be used for the purpose of obtaining “medical related services” provided such appointments could not have been arranged outside of regular working hours.

You should provide evidence of your appointment to your employer, and the absence can be recorded as certified sick leave on the OLCS.

Special Leave with Pay is not available for teachers who develop side-effects from their Covid-19 vaccine or booster.
If you are unfit to attend work, the ordinary terms of the sick leave scheme will apply.

Full details of Covid-19: Special Leave with pay may be found in circular 38/2022 (PDF).