What you get paid while you’re on sick leave

You only get paid if you’d usually work that day

If it’s not clear, you need to talk to your employer and agree together if it’s a day you’d usually work. The Employment New Zealand website explains what you and your employer must consider.

Otherwise working day

Sick leave entitlements

If you work regular hours

When you take sick leave you’re paid your normal wages — known as relevant daily pay.

If you don’t work regular hours

In some situations, you’re paid your average daily pay — there are rules around when this can happen.

Relevant and average daily pay

Public holidays

If you’re sick on a public holiday and it’s a day you were supposed to work:

• you’ll be paid for a normal day’s work
• you won’t be paid time and a half
• you won’t get a day in lieu (alternative holiday)
• a day of sick leave won’t be deducted from your entitlement.

Sick leave entitlements