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As an employee working in Ireland through Justworks, you’re supported by a full range of statutory benefits and workplace protections under Irish law. These benefits are designed to safeguard your wellbeing, provide flexibility when life events occur, and ensure you’re paid fairly and treated with care.
To help you understand what you’re entitled to, we’ve created a series of employee guides that explain your rights and how to access your benefits. Each guide includes plain-language explanations and verified information from trusted Irish government sources, including Citizens Information and Gov.ie.
What You’ll Find in This Series
- Leave and Sick Pay – Learn about your annual leave, public holidays, and statutory sick pay, including how to apply for Illness Benefit through the Department of Social Protection.
- Family and Parental Leave – Understand your maternity, paternity, adoption, and parent’s leave entitlements and how to claim related state benefits.
- Other Types of Leave – Find information on special leave options such as carer’s leave, force majeure leave, health and safety leave, and domestic violence leave.
If you ever have questions about your employment or benefits while working in Ireland, you can contact Justworks Support or visit the Citizens Information – Employment Rights and Conditions page for more detailed guidance.
These resources are meant to help you understand your rights and available supports — and to make sure you can confidently take the time you need, when you need it.
Working in Ireland with Justworks: Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual, family, and sick leave, Irish law provides several other types of leave for specific circumstances — such as caring for dependents, dealing with emergencies, or protecting your health and safety at work. This guide explains what these leave types are, who qualifies, and how to apply for each.
Carer’s Leave
Carer’s Leave allows you to take time off work to provide full-time care for a person who needs significant support due to illness, disability, or old age. You can take between 13 weeks and 104 weeks of unpaid leave, and during that time, your job is protected.
While Carer’s Leave itself is unpaid, you may qualify for Carer’s Benefit from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) if you meet the required PRSI contribution conditions.
Carer’s Leave ensures you can temporarily leave work to care for someone in need without risking your employment.
How to Apply
To apply for Carer’s Leave, you must take two steps — one with the DSP and one with your employer.
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Apply to the DSP:
The DSP must confirm that the person you will be caring for requires full-time care. You must complete the Carer’s Benefit application form, which includes sections for your GP and employer to fill out. If you are applying to care for a second person, you must use form CARB2. Once completed, send the application to the Carer’s Benefit Section of the DSP. -
Apply to your employer:
You must formally apply to your employer at least six weeks before your planned leave. In your written notice, include:- That you are requesting leave under the Carer’s Leave Act 2001
- The date you intend to start your leave
- How you plan to take your leave (in one block or in shorter periods)
- A statement confirming that you have applied to the DSP for approval of care needs
At least two weeks before your leave begins, you and your employer must sign a confirmation document outlining the agreed start date, duration, and format of the leave. Your employer keeps this document and provides you with a copy.
Source: Citizens Information – Carer’s Leave
Force Majeure Leave
Force majeure leave is for urgent family emergencies where your immediate presence is required — for example, if a close family member becomes seriously ill or injured.
You are entitled to up to three paid days in any twelve-month period, or five days in any thirty-six-month period.
This type of leave allows you to respond quickly to unexpected situations while still being paid.
How to Apply
If you need to take force majeure leave, you must tell your employer as soon as possible. Once you return to work, you must make your request in writing. Your written application should include:
- Your name and PPS number
- Your employer’s name and address
- The date(s) you took leave and the reasons why
- Your relationship to the person who was injured or ill
Your employer may have a specific force majeure leave form for you to complete. In some cases, you may also be asked to provide a medical certificate confirming the illness or injury.
Source: Citizens Information – Force majeure leave
Health and Safety Leave and Benefit
If you are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are breastfeeding, and your job presents a potential risk to your health, you may be entitled to Health and Safety Leave.
This leave applies when your employer cannot remove the risk or assign you to safe, alternative duties. It is protected under Section 18 of the Maternity Protection Act 1994.
Your employer must continue paying your normal wage for the first 21 days (three weeks) of this leave. After that, you may qualify for Health and Safety Benefit, paid by the Department of Social Protection.
This leave ensures your safety and your baby’s wellbeing if your workplace cannot be made risk-free during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How to Qualify
You may qualify if you are:
- Pregnant and exposed to workplace risks or performing night work
- Breastfeeding within 26 weeks after birth and exposed to risks
- A recent mother (within 14 weeks of birth) who performs night work
To receive Health and Safety Benefit, you must satisfy PRSI contribution conditions and have been awarded official Health and Safety Leave by your employer.
How to Apply
You must complete a Health and Safety Benefit application form and send it to the Health and Safety Benefit Section of the DSP.
Your employer must complete and stamp Part 4 of the form, and your GP must fill in Part 8. You must complete the remaining parts yourself.
If approved, payments are made weekly, either directly to your bank account or by cheque. You may also receive additional amounts for adult or child dependents.
Where to Apply:
Health and Safety Benefit Section
Department of Social Protection
McCarter’s Road, Ardaravan, Buncrana, Donegal, Ireland
Tel: 074 9164496 or 0818 300600
Visit the official Health and Safety Benefit page →
Source: Citizens Information – Health and Safety Leave
Domestic Violence Leave
If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, you have the right to take time off work to deal with urgent matters related to your safety or the safety of someone you support. This may include attending medical appointments, counselling, court hearings, or finding alternative accommodation.
Since 27 November 2023, employees in Ireland have a legal right to five days of paid domestic violence leave in any twelve-month period. You do not need to have worked for a specific length of time to qualify, and you can take the leave in separate or consecutive days.
Your employer must pay you your full rate of pay during this leave, and the absence should not be referenced on your payslip.
Domestic violence includes emotional, physical, sexual, digital, and economic abuse, as well as coercive control. You can also use this leave to support a relevant person — for example, your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, intimate partner, or a dependent child who is affected by abuse.
How to Apply
If you need to take domestic violence leave, you do not have to provide advance notice in an emergency. If possible, you should inform your employer beforehand or as soon as you can after taking the leave.
Check whether your employer has a domestic violence policy and follow its procedures. You may notify your manager or a designated HR contact. Employers are required to handle all requests confidentially.
You are not required to provide evidence or documentation to take domestic violence leave. Requests for proof should be rare and are not encouraged under the law.
Support and Resources
If you are in danger or need immediate help, contact An Garda Síochána (the Irish Police).
You can also reach Women’s Aid on their 24-hour National Freephone Helpline (1800 341 900) or visit the Women’s Aid website for information, support, and resources.
Domestic violence leave ensures that you have confidential, protected, and fully paid time away from work to access help and safeguard your wellbeing.
Source: Citizens Information – Domestic Violence Leave
Need Help?
If you have questions about your benefits or time-off entitlements, you can reach out to international-support@justworks.com for assistance.
Disclaimer
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.