Essential Workers - Leave Payment Scheme

new-zealand-flag-2030683.jpg

Effective midday Monday, 6 April, Essential Workers who take leave from work to comply with public health guidance are now being supported with a Leave Payment scheme.

Businesses can apply for 4 Week Leave Payments under the scheme for an Employee, that in accordance with public health guidance:

  • Is required to self-isolate due to contracting or being exposed to COVID-19; or

  • Has a dependant that has contracted COVID-19 and/or is required to self-isolate; or

  • Is deemed higher risk if they were to contract COVID-19; or

  • Has a household member that is deemed higher risk if they were to contract COVID-19.

Payments will be made in four-week periods and Essential Businesses can re-apply for the same Employee a second time. Leave Payment rates are the same as the Wage Subsidy being, $585.80 per week full time and $350.00 per week for part time Employees.

Businesses should pay the Employee the Leave Payment at either:

  1. Their usual weekly income if it is less than the relevant rate;

  2. A minimum of the full leave rate if the Employees pre COVID-19 income exceeds that rate, but you must use your best endeavours to ‘top up’ the rate to at least 80% of the Employees (pre-COVID) normal income; and

  3. Full rates of pay if the Employee is entitled to and being paid another form of paid leave (such as Sick Leave).

This is great news for Essential Workers and ensures they are not feeling pressured into going into work if they are vulnerable, sick or otherwise unable to work in fear of losing their income.

The Leave Payment is available for online application from Monday 6 April 2020 and the details of the Scheme are here. We will continue to keep our FAQ’s updated as questions evolve regarding this Leave Payment.

People Passion