In a decision on 8 April 2020, the FWC varied most awards to include the following:

• Every employee will be entitled to take up to 2 weeks’ unpaid leave if the employee is required,by government or medical authorities or acting on the advice of a medical practitioner, to self-isolate and is consequently prevented from working, or is otherwise prevented from working by measures taken by government or medical authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The leave must start before 30 June 2020.
• An employee and their employer may agree to the employee taking twice as much annual leave on half pay (including leave loading).

Most awards (103 in total) will be varied from 8 April 2020.

Awards that are not varied are the ones where it is considered that the COVID 19 pandemic has not has a serious effect and include maritime awards, building and construction awards and mining and resource sector awards.

If you would like further guidance on how these changes may impact  upon you and/or your business, please contact Maeve Doyle by emailing mcd@nexuslawyers.com.au or telephoning her on +612 9016 0141.

This publication is © Nexus Law Group and is for general guidance only. Legal advice should be sought before taking action in relation to any specific issues.