Q: What are the annual leave entitlements in Cyprus?
Employees in Cyprus are entitled to 20 days of paid annual leave for a 5-day workweek and 24 days for a 6-day workweek. The leave is proportional if the employee has worked less than 48 weeks.
Q: How does Cyprus law treat temporary absences from work?
Temporary absences due to sickness, maternity, or force majeure are treated as working periods in Cyprus. These absences do not impact an employee’s entitlement to annual leave, provided the employee worked for at least 48 weeks in the year.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the annual leave law in Cyprus?
Employees may be entitled to more than the statutory four weeks of annual leave under specific agreements, laws, or customs. This is provided under the Annual Holidays with Pay Law.
Q: How is unused annual leave handled in Cyprus?
Unused annual leave can be carried over to the following year. If not taken, employees may be paid for unused leave upon termination, unless otherwise specified in the contract.
Q: Can an employee take annual leave during sick leave in Cyprus?
Annual leave can be taken during sick leave in Cyprus, but the employee’s sick leave will not be counted against their entitlement to paid annual leave. The employee should request leave as per the company's policy.
Q: How does Cyprus law define public holidays?
Public holidays in Cyprus are determined by national law or company agreements. Typical public holidays include New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, and Christmas Day. Employees are generally entitled to these days off.
Q: What are the paid sick leave entitlements in Cyprus?
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave, with benefits provided by social insurance after the third day of illness. The employer is responsible for the first three days of sickness leave.
Q: How is public holiday pay calculated in Cyprus?
Public holiday pay is generally calculated at the employee’s regular rate. If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to additional pay, which may include overtime, depending on the employment contract.
Q: Can an employer refuse annual leave in Cyprus?
An employer cannot unreasonably refuse annual leave in Cyprus. Leave should be agreed upon in advance, and employers must respect the statutory entitlements outlined in the employment contract.
Q: How are employees compensated for unused leave upon termination in Cyprus?
If an employee leaves the company before using all their annual leave, the employer must compensate the employee for unused leave at the end of their employment.
Q: How are paid leave and sick leave handled simultaneously in Cyprus?
Employees can take paid leave and sick leave simultaneously in Cyprus. However, sick leave is prioritized when it is supported by medical documentation, and the employer is obligated to provide necessary compensation.
Q: What is the employer’s responsibility regarding holiday pay in Cyprus?
Employers must ensure that employees receive pay for statutory holidays. If employees work on holidays, they must be compensated as per the terms outlined in their employment contract.
Q: How do fixed-term contracts affect annual leave entitlement in Cyprus?
Employees on fixed-term contracts in Cyprus are entitled to the same annual leave benefits as permanent employees, prorated according to the length of the contract.
