Despite our mammoth efforts in mass vaccination, it appears COVID-19 has disrupted (and will continue to disrupt!) many employees’ well-deserved break over the festive period (either through isolation or infection). With cases across Australia rising, and tipped to increase drastically over the coming weeks, it’s important employers are aware of the below.
If your permanent employees originally submitted requests for annual leave, and subsequently became infected with and/or had to primarily care for someone infected with COVID-19 during their period of annual leave, employees can submit requests for their annual leave to be converted to personal leave.
If an employee requests their annual leave be converted to personal leave, employers can still require evidence (e.g., in the form of a positive PCR or Rapid Antigen Test and/or medical certificate or statutory declaration), however, must generally grant such requests.
For employers with a large casual workforce (who are not entitled to paid leave), be sure to direct them to apply for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. Further details for your State or Territory can be found via the Services Australia website – Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment – Services Australia
If you are an employer with any questions about COVID-19 and the impact on your workforce, feel free to reach out to one of our team on (03) 9448 9600.
The above is general information and should not be taken as legal advice.
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