What happens if you fall sick during your annual leave?

If you fall sick during your annual leave in South Africa, you may be entitled to request that your employer converts your annual leave to sick leave.

To request the conversion of your annual leave to sick leave, you will need to provide your employer with a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, indicating the period of your illness and the reason why you were unable to take your annual leave.

If your employer approves your request, your annual leave days will be converted to sick leave days and you will be paid sick leave benefits in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) or the relevant collective agreement.

However, if you do not request the conversion of your annual leave to sick leave or if your employer does not approve your request, the annual leave days that you were unable to take due to illness will be forfeited, and you will not be entitled to any additional leave days or benefits.

It's important to note that the rules and regulations regarding sick leave and annual leave may vary depending on the terms of your employment contract and the relevant legislation. It's advisable to review your employment contract and discuss your options with your employer if you fall sick during your annual leave.