In challenging times we currently face in the workplace - take a moment to save this link below :
https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/
Be guided by Fairwork Australia.
Subscribe to their updates https://www.fairwork.gov.au/website-information/staying-up-to-date/subscribe-to-email-updates
In emergency times there are provisions to manage your employees and potentially stand them down without pay.
There are certain criteria to satisfy :
You need to demonstrate a stoppage of work outside your control eg mandated government closure and show that the employees have no useful work to do.
Is a stand down the same as a shut down?
No, a stand down is different to a shut down. A shut down is when a business temporarily closes during slow periods of the year, such as Christmas and New Year. A shut down is also known as a close down.
Consider
if this is a downturn in work v a stoppage of work.
There are a range of flexible working arrangements that employers and employees can explore together that may suit their individual needs and circumstances. These include:
Flexibility in the workplace allows employers and employees to make arrangements about working conditions that suit them. Employers and employees need to consider and comply with any requirements under the Fair Work Act, an applicable award, enterprise agreement, employment contract or workplace policy.
Fairwork Commission has varied some Awards to include more flexibility
Awards currently varied
Find out more information on current variations:
Proposed
On 1 April 2020, the Fair Work Commission issued a Statement outlining its intention to update 103 awards during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more at https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/documents/awardmod/variations/2020/2020fwcfb1760.pdf
The proposed updates would provide:
THIS IS NOT YET LAW - BUT IS EXPECTED TO BE PASSED INTO LEGISLATION - Wednesday 8 April 2020.