Extension of JobKeeper scheme & unpaid pandemic leave

[We're here to give you information and advice about your workplace rights and obligations.]( Having trouble viewing this email? [Try opening it in your browser.]( Extension of JobKeeper scheme & unpaid pandemic leave There have been some important recent changes that may affect you. They include: - the extension of JobKeeper provisions in the Fair Work Act - the extension of unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility in some awards - the release of the updated Retail Award and Teachers Award. Extension of JobKeeper provisions in the Fair Work Act As well as the extension of the JobKeeper scheme, the JobKeeper provisions in the Fair Work Act have been extended with some changes. This includes the extension of some provisions to employers who no longer receive JobKeeper payments under the extended scheme. These employers are known as ‘legacy employers’. Legacy employers need to meet certain criteria, including at least a 10% decline in turnover for a certain period. Read our updated information for legacy employers and their employees at: - [Legacy employers]( – information on legacy employer eligibility and meeting the 10% decline in turnover test - [Information for eligible financial service providers]( – guidance on how to apply the decline in turnover test for legacy employers, providing a decline in turnover certificate and a template certificate - [JobKeeper enabling directions and agreements for legacy employers]( – information about how to use some of the extended JobKeeper provisions for legacy employers. Employers and employees in the JobKeeper scheme can learn about the extended JobKeeper provisions and how they may affect their workplace at [JobKeeper scheme – overview](. We’ve also added new resources to our [Tools and resources during coronavirus]( page to help employers understand and manage their JobKeeper rights and obligations. These include new and updated template letters for employers needing to issue JobKeeper directions and updated videos busting common JobKeeper myths. For more information about your workplace rights and obligations during coronavirus, visit [Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws](. Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility extended The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) has also extended access to Schedule X for employees in many awards to 29 March 2021. Schedule X is a temporary schedule that gives employees: - 2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave - the ability to take twice as much annual leave at half their normal pay if their employer agrees. Read our updated information and check if your award is affected at [Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes to awards](. Release of the updated Retail Award and Teachers Award As part of their review of Modern Awards (Modern Award Review), the Commission has also released an updated version of the Retail Award and the Teachers Award. The updated awards have a new layout, use plain English language and include rate tables to help you find the right pay. The rules and entitlements in the awards haven’t changed significantly. For more information, visit [Changes to awards in 2020](. Kind regards, Fair Work Ombudsman Get the latest information: [Fairwork Ombudsman]( Ombudsman Facebook]( Ombudsman Twitter]( Ombudsman on YouTube]( Ombudsman Linkedin]( You are receiving this email because you subscribed to updates from the Fair Work Ombudsman. You can update or cancel your subscription at any time by clicking on the links below. [Change my preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( Got this as a forward? [Sign Up]( to receive our future emails. Read through our [Privacy Policy.]( This email was sent to [{EMAIL}](. 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