The new measure, contained within a JobKeeper extension bill, will maintain some emergency workplace provisions for thousands of employers even after they stop receiving wage subsidy payments, while those continuing to access the program will retain access to a full suite of powers legislated earlier this year.
JobKeeper will enter phase two at the end of September, with tighter eligibility rules to drastically cut the number of businesses receiving wage subsidies and lower payments on offer.
There had been disagreement among leaders about whether the extended program would allow those kicked off JobKeeper to retain a suite of extraordinary workplace powers — including the ability to reduce hours, adjust work duties, alter work locations and agree to changes in work times — brought in to enable businesses to “hibernate” through the pandemic.
Under JobKeeper 2.0, employers that can prove their turnover fell at least 10% against a relevant quarter last year will still be able to cut worker hours up to 40% of their ordinary hours.
Attorney-General Christian Porter insisted salons would not be completely stripped of assistance if they lose access to JobKeeper.
These businesses will have to provide staff with seven days notice of changes (an increase from three days), and won’t be able to ask them to work less than two hours each day.
Laws which empowered JobKeeper employers to seek agreement with staff to draw down on their annual leave will also be dumped under phase two.
Mr Porter said the government wanted to maintain workplace flexibility for employers recovering from the coronavirus crisis.
“These changes are time-limited. They are not permanent changes. They are linked to the extension of JobKeeper until the end of March 2021,” he said in a statement.
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