Employment entitlements during natural disasters or emergencies
If an employee cannot attend work due to a natural disaster or emergency, or if an employer has to temporarily close, employees may have entitlements under their Award or Agreement.
If no such entitlement exists, the Fair Work Act 2009 includes provisions which enable employers to stand down employees, without pay, where they cannot usefully be employed during a natural disaster or emergency.
It is also good business practice for employers to notify their employees when a stand down commences, including the start date and estimated finish date and whether employees will or will not be paid or whether they can access leave entitlements.
Community Service Leave
The NES entitles an employee, who is a member of a recognised emergency management body, to take a period of unpaid leave for the purpose of engaging in an eligible community service activity, such as dealing with a natural disaster. Awards and agreements may also contain specific provisions in relation to community service leave in addition to the NES.
Take a look at Fair Work Ombudsman’s Fact Sheet below for more information.
Employment-conditions-during-natural-disasters-and-emergencies
If you need help or assistance managing your workplace legislative obligations give Human Resource Services a call on 07 5530 1571
