Natural disasters often result in employees requiring time off to care for the family and property or to assist with disaster-relief activities. Employers need to balance their staffing needs with the well-being of their staff when considering access to leave entitlements.

 

Employees’ leave to take care of themselves or their family

 

Personal/carer’s leave

 

Under the National Employment Standards, non-casual employees affected by a natural disaster or emergency can take paid personal/carer’s leave or compassionate leave, including if a child’s school closes.

If paid leave is exhausted, or for casual employees, up to 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave per occasion is available to care for a family or household member due to illness, injury, or an unexpected emergency.

 

Compassionate leave

 

All employees, including casuals, are entitled to 2 days of compassionate leave to spend time with an immediate family or household member who has a life-threatening illness or injury, or after their death. Employees other than casuals must be paid for this leave.

 

Notice and evidence requirements

 

An employee must give their employer notice of the taking of any of the above leave and the employer may ask for supporting evidence, e.g. medical certificates, evidence of school closure.

 

Employees leave to assist with disaster-relief activities

 

Community service leave

 

The National Employment Standards provide an entitlement to UNPAID leave for those who engage in a voluntary emergency management activity, such as the CFA or SES.

Employees must notify their employer as soon as possible, stating the expected length of absence, including reasonable travel and rest time. Employers may request reasonable evidence.

All four criteria must be met:

1. The activity involves responding to an emergency or natural disaster.
2. Participation is voluntary.
3. The employee is a member of, or closely associated with, a recognised emergency management body.
4. The employee was requested to participate, or it is reasonable to assume a request would have been made if possible.

 

Find out more

 

If you have been affected by a natural disaster such as a cyclone, flood or bushfire, please visit:

• Australian Government website: Australian Government Disaster Assist. Or call: Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment Emergency Assistance Hotline:180 22 66
• Queensland Disaster Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349
• NSW Government: Emergency Management NSW
• South Australian Government: Recovery
• Victorian Government: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Emergency Management: 1300 650 172
• Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements Administrator: (08) 9323 9552
• Lifeline – 13 11 14