On 16 May 2022, the Fair Work Commission handed down a landmark decision which will provide permanent employees covered by an award with 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave.
Workers will be able to access the leave each year, which will be payable at the employee’s base rate of pay.
Currently awards refer to the National Employment Standards which provides five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave. Unions and advocates are calling on the government to extend the 10 days paid entitlement to employees covered by the National Employment Standards.
Next steps include the Commission finalising a model Family and Domestic Violence leave term to be included in awards and changes are expected to take effect in July 2022.
Any businesses seeking assistance with understanding these provisions should contact the Business Advice Hotline on 8300 0000 (select option one).
