Staff & industrial relations issues:  Essential flood recovery guide

Updated 21 January 2011

Many of your employees may also have been seriously affected by these tragic events and their safety is paramount during this clean up phase. We are aware that specific workplace health and safety procedures will need to be implemented in many businesses to ensure workplaces are once again safe for employees to return to work.

While we cannot provide specific advice in this area we would recommend that if you have any queries or concerns that you contact your legal advisor or Fair Work Australia.  The Fair Work Ombudsman provided an update on 7 January 2011 in relation to the floods. This update can be accessed at http://www.fairwork.gov.au/media-centre/latest-news/pages/20110105-has-your-work-been-affected-by-floods-or-other-natural-disasters.aspx and helps to answer the following questions:

• What if an employee cannot attend work due to the floods?
• What is the employer shuts down as a result of the floods?
• Are parents/carers entitled to carers leave if schools close due to the floods?
• Am I eligible to take Community Service Leave to assist with flood relief operations?

Alternatively The Fair Work Ombudsman website has a wealth of information regarding leave entitlements, and minimum award standards that may also assist – http://www.fairwork.gov.au.

This information is general in nature and we urge you to contact your usual Grant Thornton advisor or email our office at flood.assistance@au.gt.com should you have any questions.