COVID-19

Fair Work Commission initiates additional COVID-19 provisions to 99 Modern Awards The Fair Work Commission has varied 99 Modern Awards by inserting a new Schedule – ‘Schedule X: Additional measures during the COVID-19 pandemic’.  Attachment A of the decision lists 99 Awards to be varied and a list of these Awards can be accessed here.  […]

If not a critical week, this week commencing 6 April 2020 will certainly be a week that provides more certainty to employers on the JobKeeper subsidy scheme.  At this time, the legislation is not known and by the time you read this, drafts of the legislation will be with the Government, the Opposition, the Cross-benchers […]

On 24 March 2020, the Fair Work Commission agreed to vary the Hospitality Industry (General) Award in response to the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent government restrictions have had on the hospitality industry. A temporary schedule was inserted into the Award to provide some flexibility for employers in relation to the […]

On 31 March 2020, the Fair Work Commission agreed to vary the Restaurant Industry Award in response to the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequential government restrictions have had on the restaurant industry. A temporary schedule was inserted into the Award to provide some flexibility for employers in relation to the range […]

On 28 March 2020, the Fair Work Commission agreed to vary the Clerks – Private Sector Award in response to the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on employers and employees where this Award has application and coverage. A temporary schedule was inserted into the Award to provide some flexibility for employers in […]

The Federal Government has clarified some key issues relating to the proposed wage subsidy program (‘JobKeeper Payment’).  Employers should note that at the time of this Alert, the legislation governing this program is currently being finalised and will come before Federal parliament in the week of 6 April 2020.  As a result of lack of […]

The Federal Government has introduced a subsidy program to support both employees and businesses due to the impact of the Coronavirus crisis.   Employers should note that at the time of this Alert, the legislation governing this program has not been passed and so the information provided below is general in nature from what is known […]

As the implications of COVID-19 for employers slowly become clearer in some respects (and less so in others), Aitken Legal thought it appropriate to confirm a couple of now generally accepted positions on common questions that some employers are asking. Paid leave entitlements will accrue for permanent employees during stand down If a permanent employee […]