I was recently unwell and needed to take a few days off. I have had my job for nearly seven months now and have a good relationship with the management in general. I am no longer on probation and am a permanent employee with a visa etc, but I have been told that I ‘cannot’ be paid according to the law for the three days of sick leave. I even provided a certificate from my doctor stating I was unfit for work. Is this right according to the law? PN, Dubai
The sick leave was taken in PN’s sixth month of employment, and Article 83 of UAE Labour Law states that “During the probationary period, the employee is not entitled to any paid sick leave”. Legally an employee is not entitled to be paid for sick leave, but it is also not illegal for a company to pay the salary in full. It is at the discretion of the employer.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years of experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice