Employee leave during the holidays

Most modern awards and enterprise agreements will set out the strict rules and requirements that employers must comply with if they require an employee to take paid annual leave during a period of shut-down.
 

An employee must receive advanced notice (typically four weeks) in writing that they are required to take annual leave.
 

If there is no modern award or enterprise agreement applicable, the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) allows an employer to require an employee to take a period of leave only if the requirement is reasonable.
 

In determining whether a requirement is reasonable consider the following factors:
• customs of the business
• pre-arranged agreements with employers
• length of the period required to take leave
 

We hope you all a very happy and safe holiday season.