Sjúkravinnslum

Sjúkravinnslum is an Icelandic term that translates to "sick leave" or "sick pay." It refers to the financial compensation provided to employees in Iceland who are unable to work due to illness or injury. This system is a fundamental part of Iceland's social welfare and employment rights.

The primary legislation governing sjúkravinnslum is the Act on Social Security. This act outlines the conditions for eligibility, the duration of benefits, and the rates of payment. Generally, employees who have worked for a certain period and paid social security contributions are entitled to sick pay. The employer typically pays a portion of the sick leave benefit for the initial period, often the first few weeks or months, depending on the employment contract and collective bargaining agreements.

After the employer's responsibility ends, the remaining sick pay is usually provided by the Icelandic Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun ríkisins). The amount of sick pay is typically a percentage of the employee's average earnings, ensuring a degree of income security during their period of recovery. Certain conditions, such as chronic illnesses or work-related injuries, may have specific provisions or extended periods of coverage. The system aims to balance the need for employee protection with the operational requirements of businesses.