GET IT RIGHT OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Employers need to start planning for the holiday season.  
 
REMINDERS



• Employers can ask employees to work on a public holiday, but the request has to be reasonable. An employee can refuse a request to work, if they have reasonable grounds.
• Employees (except casuals) who do not work, as a public holiday falls on a day they normally work, should be paid their ordinary hours for that day.  An employee’s roster cannot be changed to deliberately avoid this payment.
• If a public holiday falls on a day an Employee does not normally work, they do not get paid.
• If you are closing-down over Christmas, ensure you follow the rules specified in the Award/Contract of Employment.
• If an employee continues to work during a close-down, they should receive their normal pay, based on the hours they work.
• Ensure you pay Employees correctly who work on a public holiday.  Refer to their Award/Contract of Employment.

COMPLIANCE

Over the holiday season, ensure you your business remains compliant by:

• Paying all employees correctly, including juniors and apprentices.
• Ensure the business is abiding by the employees terms and conditions of employment
• Ensure all paperwork is up to date and completed properly.

FACT

Annual leave starts to accrue as soon as an employee commences work, and an employee can take accrued leave at any time that is convenient to both the employer and employee.
 
Workplace Myth: Employees must work for the business for 12 months before they can take annual leave.
 

ANNUAL LEAVE LOADING

Annual leave loading is an extra payment some employees receive when taking annual leave, 17.5% on top of their pay.  It's designed to compensate for the loss of potential overtime or penalty rates while on leave.   It is common in many modern awards, and it is also paid out on termination on unused accumulated leave. 

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Upcoming 2025 public holidays and 2026 public holidays in each State and Territory, for your information. 

For specific info on regional holidays etc. click on additional links relevant to your State or Territory.
 

HOW TO HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY WORK PARTY

There’s nothing like celebrating a year of hard work with a well-earned party.  But if you are a business owner, do not forget to prepare with some health and safety considerations.
 
Important to remind employees of their responsibilities and guidelines for behaviour at work related social events and make sure employees are aware of your workplace policy.