The Fair Work Commission approved a new unpaid leave entitlement for employees dealing with family and domestic violence. This came into effect on 1 August 2018.
The New Entitlement
Employees covered by an award that includes this clause are entitled to 5 days unpaid leave each year.
Note: This leave is unpaid.
Criteria
For domestic and family violence situations – those involving violent, threatening, or abusive behaviour by members of the employees’ family.
The criteria include (but are not limited to) the following:
making arrangements for safety for themselves or family member
attendance at court hearings
accessing police service
Eligibility
This can directly involve the employee themselves in the situation, or they may be helping another family member deal with the situation.
All employees – including casuals that are covered by industry or occupation award – will be covered. It does not apply to employees who are covered by:
enterprise awards
state reference public sector awards
enterprise and other registered agreements
or are award and agreement free
This is great news for employees affected by Family Violence. We hope you never have to use it but it is available if needed.