More than 18,000 Central West businesses could benefit from the Federal Government proposal to end “double-dipping” by casual workers. Federal Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, Kelly ODwyer, said small businesses are concerned about a recent Federal Court case (Workpac v Paul Skene), where the judge ordered compensation for unpaid entitlements. “Small businesses are worried that the case may give rise to claims to pay additional amounts for leave entitlements when they had already paid a casual loading in lieu of those leave entitlements,” Ms ODwyer said. Read also: Well done: Bathurst and Orange hospitals are treating more patients on time Bathurst Business Chamber president Angus Edwards said there was clearly a double-dipping in that Federal Court case. “It was a cause of concern for employers,” Mr Edwards said. “It was an anomaly that somebody who is casual is still claiming those benefits. “The 17.5 per cent loading that generally applies to casual workers takes into account sick leave and other entitlements.” Mr Edwards said double-dipping is inappropriate. “Getting a higher rate as a casual and still expecting all the entitlements of a full-time or part-time employee is inappropriate,” he said. Mr Edwards said the new regulation should clarify employers and employees rightful positions. “Our advice to businesses is to make sure the employment contract or agreement is quite clear to avoid any confusion,” he said. “Make sure all parties know what their rights are. “There are a lot of casual employees in certain industries and seasonal workers in our region.” Read also: Cancer Council calls on Donato and Sanger to pledge support for reforms Western NSW Business Chamber regional manager, Vicki Seccombe, said proposed regulations to prevent double dipping by casual workers will be met with relief by business owners across the country. “These new regulations are a victory for common-sense,” Ms Seccombe said. “We commend the government for addressing the situation where employees can double dip by receiving a casual loading in lieu of annual and personal leave, and then receive those exact same paid leave entitlements as well.” Ms Seccombe said it was disappointing that the Federal Government couldnt obtain bipartisan support for legislation and had to propose a Fair Work Regulation. Read also: People with disability to benefit from $33k grant to Dubbo service The ACTU, however, was unhappy with the Federal Government decision. “Workers who are designated as casuals but know their shifts months in advance are being ripped off by their employers,” ACTU secretary Sally McManus said. “The courts have made it clear they cannot be casuals just because their employer chooses to call them casuals. “Workers who are in truth permanent employees should receive their proper entitlements from the outset.”
More than 18,000 Central West businesses could benefit from the Federal Government proposal to end “double-dipping” by casual workers.
Federal Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, Kelly ODwyer, said small businesses are concerned about a recent Federal Court case (Workpac v Paul Skene), where the judge ordered compensation for unpaid entitlements.
“Small businesses are worried that the case may give rise to claims to pay additional amounts for leave entitlements when they had already paid a casual loading in lieu of those leave entitlements,” Ms ODwyer said.
Read also:
Bathurst Business Chamber president Angus Edwards said there was clearly a double-dipping in that Federal Court case.
“It was a cause of concern for employers,” Mr Edwards said.
“It was an anomaly that somebody who is casual is still claiming those benefits.
“The 17.5 per cent loading that generally applies to casual workers takes into account sick leave and other entitlements.”
Mr Edwards said double-dipping is inappropriate.
“Getting a higher rate as a casual and still expecting all the entitlements of a full-time or part-time employee is inappropriate,” he said.
Mr Edwards said the new regulation should clarify employers and employees rightful positions.
“Our advice to businesses is to make sure the employment contract or agreement is quite clear to avoid any confusion,” he said.
“Make sure all parties know what their rights are.
“There are a lot of casual employees in certain industries and seasonal workers in our region.”
Read also:
Western NSW Business Chamber regional manager, Vicki Seccombe, said proposed regulations to prevent double dipping by casual workers will be met with relief by business owners across the country.
“These new regulations are a victory for common-sense,” Ms Seccombe said.
“We commend the government for addressing the situation where employees can double dip by receiving a casual loading in lieu of annual and personal leave, and then receive those exact same paid leave entitlements as well.”
Ms Seccombe said it was disappointing that the Federal Government couldnt obtain bipartisan support for legislation and had to propose a Fair Work Regulation.
Read also:
The ACTU, however, was unhappy with the Federal Government decision.
“Workers who are designated as casuals but know their shifts months in advance are being ripped off by their employers,” ACTU secretary Sally McManus said.
“The courts have made it clear they cannot be casuals just because their employer chooses to call them casuals.
“Workers who are in truth permanent employees should receive their proper entitlements from the outset.”
This story The Federal Government decision that will affect 18,000 Central West businesses first appeared on Western Advocate.
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