COVID-19
ALERTS in relation to COVID-19
With our frequently changing environment, we will regularly update and alert Employers as information becomes available. Please note that some of the information may no longer be current given how quickly the situation is changing. To sign up, click here.
'COVID-19' Related News
ALERT!
Easing of JobKeeper Wage Subsidy Program
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced on Friday 7 August 2020 that what had been advised changed eligibility thresholds for businesses and employees to qualify for JobKeeper wage subsidy program are to be eased. The Treasurer’s announcement comes as the significant second wave of COVID-19 in Victoria shuts down major parts of Victoria’s economy. The Government has […]
ALERT!
FWC extends unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave at half pay
The Fair Work Commission has extended the entitlement to unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave at half pay until 30 September 2020 in the: Fast Food Award Hair and Beauty Award Retail Award Storage Services Award. This means that Schedule X (which provides these entitlements) which was due to expire on 31 July 2020 will […]
ALERT!
Aged Care Employees to receive paid pandemic leave
The Fair Work Commission has revisited its previous decision not to grant paid pandemic leave for health services awards due to ‘recent developments in the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Victoria’. The Commission has now decided there is justification for at least three health services awards to be varied, by inserting a Schedule […]
ALERT!
Changes to JobKeeper and JobSeeker
JobKeeper to be extended by six months – changes apply The JobKeeper Payment is currently due to finish on 27 September 2020, however the Federal Government has announced today the subsidy scheme will remain available for eligible businesses (including the self-employed) and not-for profits until 28 March 2021. The JobKeeper Payment will become two-tiered and […]
ALERT!
Schedule X – Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave at half pay extended
The Fair Work Commission in April 2020 varied 99 Modern Awards by inserting a new Schedule – ‘Schedule X: Additional measures during the COVID-19 pandemic’. Schedule X provides an entitlement to unpaid pandemic leave and the ability to take twice the amount of annual leave at half pay (additional measures during the COVID-19 crisis). These […]
ALERT!
Temporary changes to the Clerks – Private Sector Award amended and extended
The Fair Work Commission has extended and changed Schedule I in the Clerks – Private Sector Award. Schedule I was implemented to provide award flexibility during the impact of COVID-19 and has now been updated and extended until 30 September 2020. Schedule I was originally inserted into the Award on 28 March 2020 and was […]
ALERT!
Temporary changes to the Restaurant Industry Award amended and extended
The Fair Work Commission has extended and changed Schedule I in the Restaurant Industry Award. Schedule I was implemented to provide award flexibility during the impact of COVID-19 and has now been updated and extended from 1 July until 27 September 2020. Schedule I was originally inserted into the Award on 31 March 2020 to […]
ALERT!
Temporary changes to the Hospitality Industry (General) Award amended and extended
The Fair Work Commission has extended and changed Schedule J in the Hospitality Industry (General) Award. Schedule J was implemented to provide award flexibility during the impact of COVID-19 and has now been updated and extended until 27 September 2020. Schedule J was originally inserted into the Award on 24 March 2020 to provide flexibility […]
EMPLOYMENT UPDATE
Build for 2021 – Redundancy – what Employers need to know
The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic crisis are creating enormous challenges for employers. It is likely that many employers may need to consider restructuring their business, including making positions redundant, particularly with the JobKeeper Scheme ending, at this stage, at the end of September 2020. Recent decisions of the Fair Work Commission are a […]
ALERT!
The Queensland Government has announced further and faster easing of restrictions
From 12 noon on Friday 3 July 2020, Stage 3 Restrictions will become operative. The lifting of restrictions to Stage 3 will allow many more businesses to reopen and operate. The 4 square metre rule (1 person per 4 square metres) continues to apply generally. Office-based workers can return to work provided the 4 square […]