Summary: HSE employees may apply for special unpaid leave for a variety of personal reasons. While unpaid leave is not an automatic entitlement (except in specific statutory situations), the HSE has provisions for granting it in exceptional circumstances. This guide covers the different types, how to apply, and the impact on your pay and benefits.
What Is Unpaid Leave?
Unpaid leave is a period of absence from work that is not paid by your employer. Unlike annual leave or sick leave, unpaid leave means you receive no salary for the days you are absent.
In the HSE, unpaid leave can arise in two ways:
- Statutory unpaid leave — leave you are legally entitled to take (e.g., Carers Leave, additional maternity leave, Parental Leave after the first 13 weeks)
- Discretionary special unpaid leave — leave granted by management for personal reasons on a case-by-case basis
This guide focuses primarily on discretionary special unpaid leave — the type most commonly asked about by HSE staff.
Types of Unpaid Leave in the HSE
| Type | Statutory or Discretionary | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Special Unpaid Leave | Discretionary | Personal reasons; granted at management discretion |
| Additional Maternity Leave | Statutory | Up to 16 weeks after basic maternity leave |
| Parental Leave (after first 13 weeks) | Statutory | Up to 26 weeks per child |
| Carers Leave | Statutory | 13–104 weeks for full-time caring |
| Career Break | Discretionary | 3 months to 5 years for long-term absence |
| Shorter Working Year (Unpaid Portion) | Discretionary | Reduced hours/days agreed with employer |
Special Unpaid Leave: What Is It?
Special unpaid leave is discretionary leave granted by the HSE for personal reasons that do not fall under a specific statutory entitlement. Common reasons include:
- Extended travel or a sabbatical shorter than a full career break
- Personal health recovery not covered by the sick leave scheme
- Education or training
- Family circumstances not covered by other leave types
- Accompanying a spouse or partner relocating abroad temporarily
There is no fixed entitlement — it is granted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of your manager and HR.
How to Apply for Special Unpaid Leave
Step 1: Speak to Your Line Manager
Have an informal discussion before making a formal application. Explain your circumstances and the duration of leave you are requesting.
Step 2: Submit a Written Application
Put your request in writing using the HSE Special Leave application form (available from HR or HRPOL). Include:
- Proposed start and end dates
- Reason for the leave
- Confirmation that you intend to return to your post
Step 3: Management Review
Your manager and HR will review the application considering:
- The reason for the request
- The operational impact on your department
- Your employment history and record
- Whether any statutory entitlement could cover the situation
Step 4: Written Confirmation
If approved, you will receive a letter confirming the terms of your unpaid leave, including return date and any conditions.
How Much Unpaid Leave Can You Apply For?
There is no fixed maximum for discretionary unpaid leave, but in practice:
- Short-term special unpaid leave: a few days to a few weeks
- Medium-term unpaid leave: up to 3 months
- Longer periods (3 months to 5 years): typically processed as a career break
Applications for longer unpaid leave are less likely to be approved unless there are compelling personal circumstances.
Impact of Unpaid Leave on Pay and Benefits
Taking unpaid leave has consequences you should understand before applying:
Pay
- You receive no salary during unpaid leave
- You do not accrue annual leave (except during the first 13 weeks of Carers Leave)
- Public holidays during unpaid leave are generally not paid
Pension
- Unpaid leave is typically treated as a break in pensionable service
- You will not accumulate pension entitlements during unpaid leave
- You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to maintain your pension — contact HSE Pension Section
Increments
- Time on unpaid leave does not count towards incremental progression on the HSE pay scale
- Your increment date may be adjusted on your return
PRSI and Social Welfare
- You are not paying PRSI while on unpaid leave
- Depending on the length of absence, this may affect your entitlement to certain social welfare benefits in the future
Unpaid Leave for Medical Care of a Family Member
If you need time off to attend to the medical care needs of a family member, you may be entitled to unpaid leave for medical care. The HSE has specific provisions for:
- Attending medical appointments with a dependent child
- Caring for a dependent family member during a short illness
This is separate from force majeure leave and Carers Leave. The maximum is typically 5 days per year, but confirm the current provisions with HR.
Shorter Working Year (Career Break by Another Name)
The HSE Shorter Working Year scheme allows staff to work fewer weeks per year in exchange for a corresponding reduction in pay. While technically a form of unpaid leave spread across the year, it is distinct from special unpaid leave.
- Available to staff who meet the eligibility criteria
- Agreed in advance for a defined period
- Subject to operational requirements and management approval
- Typically used for childcare, education, or lifestyle reasons
Contact HR for details of the current Shorter Working Year scheme at your location.
Unpaid Leave and Annual Leave
If you have unused annual leave before your period of unpaid leave begins, you should ideally take this before commencing unpaid leave. Annual leave generally does not accrue during unpaid leave, so it is in your interest to use any outstanding balance first.
Returning from Unpaid Leave
On return from approved special unpaid leave:
- You are entitled to return to your same post (or an equivalent post at the same grade if your original role no longer exists)
- Give your employer the notice period specified in your leave agreement
- Contact HR at least 4 weeks before your return date to arrange payroll reinstatement and any updates required
Frequently Asked Questions
Can special unpaid leave be refused? Yes. Unlike statutory entitlements, special unpaid leave is discretionary and can be refused on operational grounds.
Will unpaid leave affect my sick leave entitlement? The period of unpaid leave does not count towards sick leave entitlement calculations. Your sick leave entitlements restart from when you return to work.
Can I take annual leave to avoid going on unpaid leave? Yes. If you have annual leave remaining, you can request to use it before commencing unpaid leave.
Does unpaid leave affect my tax? Unpaid leave reduces your taxable income for the year. Your tax credits may need to be adjusted — consult Revenue or a tax advisor.
Can I work elsewhere during special unpaid leave? You should inform your employer if you intend to work elsewhere during special unpaid leave. Working for a direct competitor or in a role that conflicts with your HSE post may affect your return rights.
Is unpaid leave the same as a career break? Not exactly. A career break is a formal long-term scheme (minimum 3 months, maximum 5 years) with specific rules. Special unpaid leave tends to be shorter and more informal, though longer periods of unpaid leave are effectively processed as career breaks.
Useful Contacts
- HSE HR Helpdesk: Your local HR Business Partner
- HSE Pension Section: Contact through your payroll department
- Revenue (Tax Credits): revenue.ie
- Citizens Information: citizensinformation.ie
Related HSE Leave Guides
- HSE Career Break Policy Ireland 2026
- HSE Carers Leave Policy Ireland 2026
- HSE Annual Leave Entitlements 2026
- HSE Parental Leave Entitlements 2026
This guide covers HSE discretionary special unpaid leave and related statutory unpaid leave types as of 2026. As discretionary leave is subject to management approval and operational requirements, always confirm your individual situation with your HR Business Partner before making arrangements.
