COVID-19 : New Pandemic leave entitlement for most awards
By
Key Business Advisors
COVID 19 Human Resources News
Yesterday, the 8th April 2020, the FWC has passed a new bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new schedule has been introduced in 99 awards* and the change takes effect from the employee’s full pay period on or after 8 April 2020 until 30 June 2020 (unless extended).
The schedule provides employees with
- Minimum of 2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave
- The ability for the employee to take Annual Leave at half pay
Unpaid pandemic Leave
Employees can access a minimum of 2 weeks unpaid leave (and more if the employer agrees) if they have to self-isolate or following an enforceable government direction restricting non-essential businesses. The leave is available to full-time, part-time and casual employees and does not need to be accrued. It is available immediately to all workers.
Annual Leave
Employees are eligible to access their annual leave at half pay. This means that, if the employer agrees, the employee can take for example 2 weeks of annual leave and be paid for one full week. The agreement should be in writing and the employer should keep a copy.
For more details about the change, visit:
