Members are reminded that the Australian Government’s JobKeeper scheme comes to an end on 28 March 2021, meaning businesses will no longer be entitled to receive JobKeeper payments for their eligible employees, or utilise the temporary JobKeeper enabling direction provisions under the Fair Work Act 2009 that provided employers with certain flexibilities.
VACC recommends members currently receiving JobKeeper:
- Communicate with employees
As JobKeeper ends on 28 March, employees’ wages will revert back to their pre-JobKeeper levels. VACC recommends members notify employees of this, particularly where the amount received under JobKeeper may differ from the employee’s regular pay rate.
- Submit March monthly business declaration/s to the ATO
Members do not need to take any specific action with the ATO when the program ends, however will need to complete their final monthly business declaration for March by 14 April 2021.
- Consider other Government assistance options
Although the JobKeeper scheme will not be extended, there may be additional assistance available to employers such as grants and hiring incentives. Visit Business Victoria or contact VACC.
- Notify employees that JobKeeper enabling direction will cease
Any JobKeeper enabling direction, whether issued by an employer currently on JobKeeper or a Legacy Employer, will cease. This means that employees will revert to their substantive terms and conditions of employment. While the direction will automatically cease to apply, VACC recommends that members communicate with their employees about the change.
- Consider employment requirements post-JobKeeper
If a business is still experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, members should consider employment requirements post-JobKeeper. Given the complex nature of the considerations and related employment obligations, VACC strongly recommends members contact the Workplace Relations team for specific advice tailored to their business needs.
Members seeking further advice and support, including in relation to drafting correspondence to employees notifying that JobKeeper payments and/or JobKeeper enabling directions will cease, are encouraged to contact the VACC Workplace Relations team.
Workplace Relations
T: 9829 1123
E: ir@vacc.com.au