GRHRecently the Fair Work Commission during its four-yearly review of Modern Awards has ruled on Domestic Violence Leave.

In response to the submissions of Unions and the demands of the general public on the issue, the Fair Work Commission has sought to protect workers, noting “family and domestic violence is a community issue and requires a community response.”

The Fair Work Commission has released the final domestic violence leave model which will be inserted into all modern awards which will see Domestic Violence Leave being made available to workers from 1 August 2018.

The key elements of the incoming domestic violence leave are as follows;

  • The Leave will be unpaid;
  • The entitlement is up to 5 days leave annually;
  • It will apply to all employees including full time casuals and part-time employees;
  • The leave will not accumulate from year to year but will be available in full at beginning of each 12 month period;

The new provision will protect employees from any adverse action an employer may take against an employee for taking time off in accordance with the Domestic Violence Leave regime.

The change to the modern awards is significant and will require employers to review and update their policies and procedures.

Everingham Solomons has the specialist skills to be able to assist in the implementation of new or the updating of existing policies in respect to Domestic Violence Leave and other workplace policies because at Everingham Solomons, Helping You is Our Business.

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