Paid family and domestic violence leave now available to employees of small business
From 1 August 2023, employees of a small business can now access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave per year.
A small business employer is an employer with fewer than 15 employees at a particular time.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has provided the following helpful summary of what you need to know:
- The following employees can take 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in a 12-month period:
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- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Casual employees
- Part-time and casual employees also receive 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave – it is not pro-rated.
- All 10 days are available immediately – an employee does not need to accrue it.
- Family and domestic violence is a separate paid leave entitlement. It is not a part of paid sick or carer’s leave.
- Employers must not include certain information on an employee’s pay slip about taking paid family and domestic violence leave. It is suggested that an employer consider alternative ways to record the leave on payslips, such as stating that the amount is paid as special leave, miscellaneous leave, or leave-other.
Employees of a non-small business employer have been able to access the leave from 1 February 2023.
This new leave entitlement replaces the previous 5 days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave.
If you have any questions about these new provisions and how they may affect your business, please contact WGC.