Chambers Ireland has praised the Government’s decision to refrain from introducing additional statutory sick pay measures.

Earlier this week, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, confirmed that the paid leave, worth up to €110 a day, will remain at five days a year.

This follows a government decision to halt plans to increase the entitlement to seven days in January, and carry out a review.

Workers are entitled to up to five days of paid sick leave in a calendar year.

It is paid by their employers and is worth 70% of gross earnings, up to a daily cap of €110.

The business lobby group, which has more than 8,500 employer members, said employers are already "grappling with rising costs, increased regulatory requirements and a period of unprecedented global uncertainty and unpredictability."

Chief Executive Ian Talbot said: "We appreciate the Government’s recognition of the challenges faced by businesses in the current economic climate.

"The decision not to introduce additional statutory sick pay measures is a welcome relief for employers who are striving to manage their operations amidst escalating costs, increases in the minimum wage and a series of other new legislative requirements implemented in recent years.

"This will allow businesses to focus on maintaining their workforce and sustaining their operations during these uncertain times."

"Ensuring that employers are not overburdened with additional obligations is vital for the stability and growth of our economy," he added.

He noted that businesses are also preparing for the implementation of auto-enrolment.

"Auto-enrolment is a significant step forward in improving retirement savings for employees," he said.

"While it presents its own set of challenges, we are committed to working with businesses to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with the new requirements”.