Paid pandemic leave only available for certain modern awards

From 29 July 2020, a new paid pandemic leave clause commenced operation in the following modern awards:

• Nurses Award 2010;
• Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020; and
• Aged Care Award 2010.

The new clause offers employees paid leave where they are prevented from working (including working from home) in circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This clause is temporarily in place until 29 October 2020 unless an application to extend is granted.

Implications for employers

• If your business operates under an Enterprise Agreement, the paid pandemic leave provisions in the three modern awards will not apply unless your agreement operates in conjunction with, or incorporates, the relevant modern award. If you are unsure, please contact the Victorian Chamber’s Workplace Relations Advice Line on 8662 5222.
• If your employee is entitled to paid pandemic leave, businesses are urged to check eligibility for financial assistance from the State or Federal Government. More information about this can be found here.

How we can assist

For further clarification, members can call our Advice Line on 8662 5222, or you can register to be notified of any changes to awards applicable to your business. Award subscription via the Victorian Chamber will allow you to receive summarised, user friendly tables which highlight the key differences that occur when awards are modified.