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In Australia, sick leave, also known as personal leave, is an important employment benefit that allows employees to be absent from work when they are hurt or ill with pay.
Across the country, the subtle differences in taking sick leave can often be the most significant factor in workplace regulation for both employees and employers.
What is Sick Leave?
Sick leave is the other term we have for personal leave. It gives the workers the possibility to stay away from work when they are sick or they cannot do their work because of illness or injury.
It is one of the rights of employment of workers who are governed by the Fair Work Act and its National Employment Standards (NES).
How Much Sick Leave Do You Get?
The Australian employment law, the Fair Work Act, grants full-time staff members with 10 days of paid sick leave per year.
For part-time workers, this amount is determined by the pro-rata of the actual hours worked. Accrued leave is collected year to year, if unused, allowing benefits in case of health emergencies.
Sick Leave for Casual Employees
Casuals also receive such leaves, but it is unpaid. Nonetheless, casual workers can get unpaid carers leave as per the NES.
Compassionate leave can also be provided in case of the serious illness or death of an employee’s family member.
Who is the Carer’s Immediate Family?
Immediate family consists of:
- Spouse or former spouse
- De facto partner or former de facto partner
- Child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling
- The child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling of the employee’s spouse or de facto partner (including former partners)
- Step-relations are also covered (e.g., step-fathers, step-sons) and siblings are also included in the family.
Note: Panraa Clinics offers carers leave, however, only provided to parents caring for their children who are ill.
When can an Employee take Paid Carer’s Leave?
An employee is entitled to paid carer’s leave of three days, two of which are sick days, to care for or support an immediate family or household member who is:
- Sick
- Injured
- Facing an unexpected emergency
If requested, employees must provide evidence to their employer.
Difference Between Sick Leave and Annual Leave
While sick leave is intended for unplanned health-related absences, annual leave (or holiday leave) is for planned vacations. Understanding the distinction ensures employees utilize their leave entitlements appropriately.
Personal Leave and Payment
A commonly asked question, in this case, is whether sick leave is remunerated if there is some leftover time. The response to this question is that sick leave is not a leave that is to be cashed out. It can only be used for health-related absences and, in general, cannot be cashed out unless there is an employment agreement or a workplace agreement. Thus, it can be said that this is the privilege of an employee based on his or her health. In most cases, the worker just will not be able to receive any money by way of cash when not sick, but time will be renewed and cover be balanced accordingly.
What Should I Tell My Employer?
Notify your employer as soon as possible when taking leave. You can also tell them when you start your leave. If possible, mention the length (the number of days) of your leave.
For leaves, he may request a medical certificate of your illness and declaration. This certificate acts as a proof of your leave.
Without proper evidence, you may not be eligible for paid sick leave.
Requesting a Sick Certificate
Employers may request a medical certificate if an employee takes sick leave for more than one consecutive day.
At Panraa Clinics, obtaining a sick certificate is affordable and convenient. Our doctors are registered under AHPRA ensuring patient safety and confidentiality.
Panraa Clinics caters to and supports both employees as well as employers as per workplace rules and regulations.
Conclusion
Sick leave entitlements are essential in Victoria and Australia for both employees and employers to maintain workplace harmony and compliance with legal standards.
Whether you’re a full-time employee, part-time worker, or casual staff member, knowing your rights and responsibilities regarding sick leave ensures treatment and effective management of all employees.
Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in managing your health-related absences efficiently.
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