Login
Is it legal to be stood down without pay?
With government-issued business closures becoming increasingly the norm, a huge number of Australian employees are facing an uncertain future.
Grace Ormsby
In an update from Madgwicks Lawyers’ special counsel, Tim Greenall, the employment lawyer has explained that the situation that saw the standing down last week of 20,000 Qantas staff – indefinitely and without pay – is legal.
So, can an employer stand down its employees without paying them?
According to the special counsel, the answer is yes.
This is provided for by section 524 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
There are three ways in which an employer may “stand down on an unpaid basis an employee during a period in which the employee cannot usefully be employed because of one of the following circumstances”:
Of relevance at this time, is subsection (c): A stoppage of work for any cause for which the employer cannot reasonably be held responsible.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has also provided guidance at this time, which Mr Greenall made reference to.
“Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws” confirms employers have that right to stand down employees without pay where they can’t reasonably be held responsible.
“It is becoming increasingly clear the impact of coronavirus may cause a stoppage of work for which the employer cannot reasonably be held responsible – e.g. the ban on international travel imposed on the airline industry or other government-issued directives for closure not at the discretion of the business,” he flagged.
