Xero payroll can assist business owners with recent paid leave changes

Starting from February 1, 2023, eligible employees who are covered by a modern award will be able to take an additional five days of paid leave to deal with the impact of family and domestic violence. This means that eligible employees will be entitled to take up to 10 days of paid leave per year. This new entitlement is designed to support employees who are experiencing family and domestic violence by providing them with the time they need to attend to personal matters such as medical or legal appointments or making safety arrangements. Eligible employees will receive their usual pay while on this leave.

The paid family and domestic violence leave entitlement will apply to non-small business employers, which are employers with 15 or more employees. The entitlement will also include part-time and casual employees. Employees employed by small business employers, which are employers with less than 15 employees, will be able to access paid leave from August 1, 2023. Until then, they can continue to take unpaid family and domestic violence leave.

It’s important to note that not all modern awards provide for paid family and domestic violence leave. However, for those that do, this increase in paid leave entitlement is a significant development that recognises the impact that family and domestic violence can have on individuals and families. It’s important for employees who are experiencing family and domestic violence to know their entitlements and speak to their employer about the support available to them.

Key Takeaway:

• Starting February 1, 2023, eligible employees under a modern award can take up to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year.
• Paid leave gives employees time off to take care of personal matters, like medical or legal appointments or safety arrangements, when experiencing family and domestic violence.
• The entitlement applies to non-small business employers (15 or more employees) and includes part-time and casual employees.
• For small business employers (less than 15 employees), paid leave will be available from August 1, 2023. Until then, they can take unpaid family and domestic violence leave.

If you are experiencing family and domestic violence, it’s important to know that you are not alone. There are many organisations and support services that can help, including 1800RESPECT, which provides confidential counselling, information, and support. It’s also important to talk to your employer and let them know what you are going through. They can help you to access the support you need and to use your entitlements to paid family and domestic violence leave. Together, we can all work to create a safer and more supportive workplace for everyone.