The Government have introduced the 'Essential Workers leave scheme'.
Workers who are employed by a business classed as 'Essential' are eligible for subsidies at the same level as the wage subsidy ($585.80 and $350.00) if they need to take time off to comply with COVID-19 Public Health guidance, self-isolate or take sick leave. This initiative has the intention to take the pressure off essential workers to go to work when their health is potentially compromised. The scheme is available from Monday (6th April) from midday.
The 3 main groups of essential workers targeted to benefit are:
- Workers who are self-isolating in accordance with public health guidance because they have contracted the virus or have come into contact with someone who has contracted the virus (or have a dependent they need to care for who is sick or self-isolating)
- Those deemed at higher risk if they contract COVID-19, in accordance with public health guidance and as such should self-isolate for the duration of the lockdown (and potentially longer);
- Those who have household members who are deemed at higher risk if they contract COVID-19, in accordance with public health and as such should self-isolate for the duration of the lockdown (and potentially longer) to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to that household member.
This scheme will be available for at least the duration of the level 4 lockdown. More details will follow as it rolls out today.