Sick Leave
Income
What is the relevant legislation on paid sick leave?
The Decent Work Act is the relevant legislation governing paid sick leave.
What is the maximum duration of sick leave in days?
Employees are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave for each year of continuous service.
What percentage of the monthly salary does a worker get during sick leave?
Employees receive their regular pay during this period.
Who is required to pay if the worker is allowed paid sick leave?
It is implied that the employer is responsible for paying the worker during the paid sick leave period because employees must inform their employer in advance before taking sick leave. Generally, a medical certificate is required to confirm their illness. However, they may take up to three sick days per year without providing proof of illness.
Does the law provide for paid sick leave with at least 45% of the reference wage for at least the first 6 months?
The Act does not provide for paid sick leave extending up to 6 months, nor does it specify a payment rate of 45% of the reference wage for 6 months, but 100% of the reference earnings is provided during a 10-day sick leave.
Sources: §19.2, 19.3 of the Decent Work Act 2015; ISSA country profile of Liberia
Medical Care
What is the relevant legislation on free medical care for sick workers?
No provisions could be located stating that the employer is obliged to bear the expenses for the medical care of sick workers.
What is the detailed provision on sickness medical benefits?
Employees are entitled to a cash sickness benefit, requiring a medical certificate, except for up to three single days of incapacity in a 12-month period. The benefit covers 100% of daily earnings for up to 10 days per year of continuous employment, with the employer bearing the total cost.
Does the law provide medical care for at least the first 6 months of illness?
No, the law does not provide medical care for the first 6 months of illness. It only requires cash sickness benefits covering up to 10 days per year.
Sources: §19.3, 31.6, 32.5 and 33.6 of the Decent Work Act, 2015; §89.19, 89.33 of the Social Security Act, 2017; ISSA country profile for Liberia
Job Security
What is the relevant legislation on job security for sick workers?
The Decent Work Act is the relevant legislation that governs job security for workers.
For how long (in months) does the law provide job security during illness?
The law does not specify a fixed duration in months; it prohibits dismissal during temporary absences due to illness or injury.
Are employers prohibited from dismissing a worker during the term of his sickness (at least during the first six months of illness)?
Employers are prohibited from dismissing a worker solely on the grounds of temporary absence due to illness or injury. The law does not clearly define the protection period in terms of months.
Sources: §14.8 of the Decent Work Act, 2015
Regulations on Sick Leave
- Decent Work Act, 2015
- ISSA Country Profile for Liberia
- Social Security Law, 2017
