On 24 December 2020, a Full Bench of the FWC rejected union claims to include new paid pandemic leave entitlements in the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award). Ai Group opposed the claim, on behalf of employers in industries covered by the SCHADS Award.

In its decision, the Full Bench stated that the second wave of COVID-19 in Victoria was brought under control approximately three months ago, and there was no evidence that significant numbers of employees in the industries covered by the SCHADS Award have had to self-isolate in the period since then. The Full Bench also determined that there was currently no evidence that the capacity of employers in these sectors to provide essential services was threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Full Bench has allowed parties to apply again if circumstances change.

If you would like more information about leave entitlements in relation to the pandemic, please contact Ai Group’s Workplace Advice Service on 1300 55 66 77.

Alternatively, if you would like advice and assistance in managing employees with COVID symptoms or COVID vaccines, please contact your local employment, workplace and industrial lawyer in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Melbourne or Brisbane or contact Ai Group Workplace Lawyers here.