HR Unplugged

NEWS

FAMILY & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEAVE IS HERE

 
 
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A GREAT STEP FORWARD FOR US ALL

 
 

In August 2018, we wrote about the changes for Family & Domestic Violence leave that took effect for all Award employees.  At that time, the Government was still considering introducing this leave to non-Award employees.  This has been considered, and the Federal Government has now passed Family & Domestic Violence leave into law for all employees.

This is a momentous change for all employees and marks a change that in previous years may have been unheard of with a Liberal Government in power. These changes to the Fair Work Act, as an Amendment, took effect 12 December 2018.

 

KEY POINTS:

  • Effective from 12 December 2018 for all employees

  • Covers all employees, full-time / part-time / casual employees, Award and non-Award

  • Allows for five (5) days unpaid leave per year

  • It is unpaid leave, at this stage

  • Evidence requirements can be asked for

  • Cannot be contracted out - it is a basic minimum requirement – as of 12th December 2018, it has become part of the National Employment Standards

WHAT ABOUT NON-AWARD EMPLOYEES?

The Federal Government is considering introducing this initiative to all employees, but it hasn’t happened yet and is still yet to be put to Parliament.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AS AN EMPLOYER?

  • Be supportive

  • Keep your door open

  • Provide EAP (Employee Assistance Programmes) if possible

  • Consider putting out a Family & Domestic Violence policy that shows your support and acknowledgement of this issue. This way your employees know what they can expect in terms of support and guidance, without having to go looking for it during difficult times

 
 
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If you are able, and as an Employer of Choice, you may consider offering paid Family & Domestic Violence leave.

Either way, your support during monumentally difficult times for any of your employees and their families in these circumstances, will speak volumes about your company and your culture.

Regardless of the debate about it should or should not be an employment right, do not underestimate that such support in tough times will be returned tenfold to you as an Employer.

HR Unplugged can offer a policy template for Family & Domestic Violence, or tailor one to your business – large or small.  Give us a call now, or send us an email!

 
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