Staff who are on long-term sick leave will be able to build up annual leave from work, from today.

It follows rulings by the European Court of Justice regarding annual leave entitlements during long-term illness.

Workers will be able to carry over accrued sick leave for 15 months, after the leave year in question.

Additionally, if the worker's employment is terminated, payment in lieu of the untaken accrued annual leave will apply. 

The amendments are being made to the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.

Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash explains what the changes mean: