Carers who are in casual employment can now claim sick leave. The Victorian Government has introduced the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee to assist people in insecure occupations if they are sick or need to care for someone who is sick. The initiative provides up to 38 hours of sick leave for casual or contract workers and will be available for two years from 2022. This is good news for people who are carers.
Who is eligible?
The sick pay is available for people in insecure occupations who don’t normally have access to sick leave – casual and contract workers or people who are self-employed. For the first phase this includes: hospitality workers, food preparation assistants, food trades workers, sales support workers, sales assistants, other labourers who work in supermarket supply chains, aged and disability workers, cleaners and laundry workers, security officers and guards. It is estimated that around 150 000 people will be eligible in the first stage.
How do you prove your eligibility?
To be eligible you need to be:
- 15 years old and over
- Casual or self-employed (a sole trader or independent contractor)
- Not be entitled to paid sick or carers leave for your job
- Work in Victoria
- Work in an eligible occupation (as previously mentioned)
- Work at least 7.6 hours per week (you can work this out by calculating your average hours over 4 weeks)
Applicants also need to show two forms of identification (or just one if you are under 18 years of age). You will also need to provide more documentation to show evidence of your eligibility, this will vary depending on whether you are a casual employee or self-employed. Check the details when you apply.
How do I submit my application?
Applications are submitted through the Sick Pay Guarantee website.