Victorian newsagents should ensure they are aware of Long Service Leave changes that came into effect from yesterday. While not dramatic, there are changes that bring forward access to benefits. From the Business Victoria website:
- The new laws will provide greater flexibility to women, families and those transitioning to retirement.
- Employees will be able to apply for leave after seven years of work, rather than ten years.
- Employees can now take long service leave in smaller increments, i.e. a minimum of one day per occasion.
- Absences from work including unpaid parental leave will generally not break continuous employment.
- Certain breaks will now count towards accrual of long service leave, e.g. unpaid parental leave of up to 52 weeks, or longer in certain circumstances.
Point 2 is like to be the most interesting change in that previously people could only take Long Service Leave after ten years, even though it was paid out on employment termination after seven years. Now, it is seven.
From a business management perspective, it is good to encourage people to take Long Service Leave so that the liability is managed in advance of any business sale or closure.
Each state and territory has their own Long Service Leave rules and processes.
Click here to access a useful fit sheet on Long Service Leave and usual employees.
Perhaps our own minister, whose responsibilities include Fair Work, would like to address us on how the changes to penalty rates and LSL are beneficial to the small business sector. Come on Michaela, say something.
Hi, Mark,
Anyone knows who is distributing Racing book “Miller’s Guide” this year, GG didn’t do it now. Thanks,
I don’t, sorry, Frank.