Unpaid Pandemic Leave Schedule

Over the last few weeks, the Fair Work Commission have further updated their unpaid pandemic leave, Schedule X. The update excludes the ability for workers to take annual leave at half their normal pay. This applies to both the Health Professionals and Support Service Award (2020) and the Nurses Award (2020). Previously, employees could take their annual leave at half pay and double their time off work, if their employer agreed.

If the leave was taken before 31 December 2021 and finished after that date, they are still eligible to access this entitlement. However, for any pandemic leave taken after 31 December 2021, the annual leave at half pay clause is not applicable.

The addition of two weeks' unpaid pandemic leave has not changed and is still available up to 30 June 2022.