General News
25 September, 2023
Sick pay coverage expanded for casual and contract workers
Whether you are a casual or contract worker, you might now be eligible for sick pay as part of an increase in the number of jobs covered by the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee. Branching out essential benefits to more employees — the State...
Whether you are a casual or contract worker, you might now be eligible for sick pay as part of an increase in the number of jobs covered by the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee.
Branching out essential benefits to more employees — the State Government’s one-of-a-kind pro-gram has expanded to include more than 400 new jobs, giving thousands of people in casual and contract employment the opportunity to access up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay.
As a result, casual, contract and self-employed workers including community support workers, taxi and rideshare drivers, arts workers, childcare and early childhood workers, fitness instructors, tourism and outdoor recreation workers, factory workers, fruit pickers and hairdressers can check their eligibility and sign up to the scheme today.
Changes to the program were welcomed by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett who said it was an important step forward.
“We know that the rising cost of living is having a real impact on families — making it even more important for more workers to be able to access the Sick Pay Guarantee,” she said.
“Casual and contract workers are an essential part of our workforce.
“They shouldn’t feel forced to go to work sick because they can’t afford to miss a day’s pay.”
The initiative, worth $245.7 million, was created to help reduce workplace illnesses and injuries while keeping businesses safer and more productive — and since the pilot was first launched early last year, more than 76,000 workers have signed up.
Workers can check their eligibility and sign up online at vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee or in the Service Victoria app.