Do you still get holiday pay if you're sick on a public holiday?

You’re scheduled to be off on a public holiday—but then you get sick. Maybe you’re home with the flu or even in the hospital. Do you still get paid for that holiday? It’s a common question, and the answer depends a lot on where you work and what your employment contract says.

Quick insight: In many places, yes—you still get public holiday pay if you’re sick, but it usually requires a valid medical certificate and depends on local laws or policies.

The short answer: usually yes, but it depends

In many countries with strong employment protections, like the UK, Australia, and Canada, workers are entitled to public holiday pay even if they’re sick that day. The key condition? You must have followed the proper sick leave procedures—often including providing a doctor’s note.

If you're on approved sick leave and a public holiday happens during that time, you're typically not penalised. In fact, some places allow you to take the public holiday at a later date, especially if you're hospitalized or on long-term leave.

Examples by country

  • Australia: If you're sick on a public holiday and provide medical evidence, you're entitled to public holiday pay—it’s not deducted from your sick leave balance.
  • United Kingdom: Statutory holiday entitlement continues to accrue during sick leave. If you're off sick on a bank holiday, you can often take it later.
  • Canada: Most provinces require employers to pay public holiday pay if you’ve qualified by working a certain number of days beforehand, even if you're sick that day.
  • United States: No federal law guarantees paid public holidays. If your employer offers holiday pay, whether you get it while sick is up to their policy.

What your contract or award says matters

Company policies, union agreements, and industrial awards often outline exactly how sick leave and public holiday pay interact. Some employers may require that you're scheduled to work before and after the holiday to qualify. Others may be more flexible.

If you're unsure, the best place to start is your employment contract. That should tell you whether you're entitled to public holiday pay while on sick leave and if any documentation is required.

When you might not get paid

There are a few situations where you might miss out:

  • You didn’t submit a required medical certificate
  • You were on unpaid sick leave or extended leave without pay
  • You didn’t meet the employer’s holiday pay qualification criteria
  • Your contract doesn’t offer paid public holidays

Some casual or part-time workers may also be excluded from public holiday pay if they’re not rostered to work that day. Again, it comes down to your specific work arrangement.

What to do if you’re unsure

If you're sick on a public holiday and don’t know your rights, talk to your HR department or manager. You can also contact your local labor board or employment standards office—they can explain the rules in your area.

Documentation is key. Always report your sick leave properly and get a doctor’s note if required. That way, if the holiday pay is questioned, you’re covered.

Your health still comes first

Whether you’re sick on a public holiday or not, don’t push through just to keep your holiday pay. Most workplaces have protections in place so you won’t lose out. Follow the right steps, stay in the loop with your employer, and focus on getting better.

In most cases, if you play it straight and follow the rules, the holiday pay will still land in your account—even if you spent the day on the couch instead of at a BBQ.