Workplace Relations
Long Service Leave
In Australia, Long Service Leave (LSL) is a benefit granted to employees who have worked for the same employer for an extended period. The Fair Work Act 2009 provides a national minimum standard for Long Service Leave, but specifics can vary slightly between states and territories. There are however general guidelines that apply across the country.
Here are some key points:
- Eligibility
- Generally, employees become eligible for LSL service leave after seven to 10 years of continuous service with the same employer.
- Continuous service typically includes all periods of employment, including authorised absences such as annual leave, personal leave and LSL itself.
- Entitlement
- After 10 years of continuous service, employees are generally entitled to around 8.67 weeks of paid service leave.
- For each subsequent period of five years continuous service, employees are usually entitled to additional leave, often around 4.33 weeks.
- Pro-rata entitlement
- In some cases, employees may be entitled to a pro-rata payment of their Long Service Leave if they resign or are terminated after a certain period, often after seven years of service.
- Taking leave
- LSL can often be taken as a continuous period or in smaller blocks, subject to the agreement of the employee.
- Employers and employees usually negotiate the timing and duration of LSL.
- Additional Information
- LSL continues to accrue during periods of paid leave such as annual leave or personal leave.
- Employees are paid their ordinary rate of pay while on LSL.
- If a practice is sold or transferred, employees LSL entitlement may transfer to the new employer.
For precise details, it is essential to refer to the specific legislation of the relevant state or territory as well as applicable Awards.
If you have any questions around LSL or wish the WR team to calculate LSL calculations on your behalf, please contact us on 07 3872 2264 or workplacerelations@amaq.com.au