Ireland second worst country for sick pay in Europe as thousands of workers beg for reform Updated: 16:03, 11 May 2021 IRELAND is the second worst country in Europe when it comes to sick pay, according to a new report. Thousands of workers across the continent have been forced to take time off over the past 15 months because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 3 3 3 Labour Employment spokeswoman Marie Sherlock But many employees in Ireland will be entitled to very little if they’re stuck down with the deadly coronavirus or any other serious illness. Sick pay in this country is determined by employee contract type, with no mandatory provisions in place.