State government has surpassed a new milestone, with 60,000 people in Victoria now signed up to the pilot Sick Pay Guarantee program for casual and self-employed contract workers.
The program has provided a safety net for vulnerable workers who need to take time off because they are sick or caring for loved ones.
Workers who are eligible to sign up include casual and contract retail assistants, hospitality workers, aged care and disability care workers, supermarket and supermarket supply chain workers, cleaners, laundry workers, security guards, food preparation workers, bakers, fast food workers, and kitchen hands.
Eligible casual and contract workers without sick leave entitlements can access up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay through the program, paid at the national minimum wage.
Since the scheme launched on Labour Day last year, more than $22 million has been paid to support more than 93,000 claims for sick and carer’s pay.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Colin Brooks said the scheme has provided workers with the support they need when they are sick or caring for a loved one.
“Casual and contract workers are telling us that when given a choice – a proper choice – they will choose to stay home and recover when they’re sick,” he said.
“We’ve already supported workers when they need it most – with more than one million hours of sick and carer’s pay.
Details: vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee
