Staff of the Western Australian public sector are to be eligible for up to 20 days of paid ‘COVID-19 to assist in reducing the spread of the Coronavirus threat
In a Circular, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety said the leave would be available to all public sector employees whose paid personal, carers, or sick leave entitlements were exhausted.
It said COVID-19 leave would not affect an employee’s annual leave or long service leave balance.
The Department said COVID-19 leave would be available for employees who have contracted the virus themselves; who have to self-isolate due to illness; need to care for a dependant who has the virus or because of school closure or disruption to other care arrangements, or cannot attend work due to transport or other disruptions.
Premier and Public Sector Management Minister, Mark McGowan said there was no current evidence that public sector employees were being financially disadvantaged by needing to take leave without pay because of COVID-19.
“However, this could change as the virus spreads and absences increase, primarily on employees with low personal or sick leave credits, and casual employees,” Mr McGowan said.
He said the Government had a responsibility to provide a safe work environment for its public sector employees.
“The new COVID-19 leave arrangements give workers peace-of-mind in knowing there is paid leave available to them, should they need to self-isolate,” Mr McGowan said.
His words were echoed by the Minister for Industrial Relations, Bill Johnston who said it was vital that those displaying symptoms did not feel any pressure to continue to work, particularly due to financial concerns.
“This is a responsible arrangement that will ensure workers’ health is prioritised and we continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout the community,” Mr Johnston said.
The Department’s Circular 5/2020 COVID-19 leave and other employment flexibilities can be accessed at this PS News link.
