The NSW Government has reintroduced the Job Retention Allowance for council workers, in a bid to limit job losses caused by the State-wide COVID-19 lockdown.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the allowance consists of a $1,500 payment per fortnight per employee for a period of up to three months.
“This is designed to help all councils across NSW, including Central Coast Council, retain staff whose normal employment has been adversely impacted by the current COVID-19 lockdown,” Mr Crouch said.
“We know that Central Coast Council is one of the most significant employers in our region and the NSW Government wants to ensure that any impacted staff, such as librarians and pool lifeguards, are protected from job loss.
“The local government sector relies on experienced staff with institutional know-how which is why this fortnightly payment is designed to avoid job losses, helping councils to bounce back quickly when the lockdown ends.
“Any council that has been forced to stand down its permanent or temporary staff will be able to access the Job Retention Allowance, subject to meeting some eligibility criteria.”
The eligibility criteria requires that a council:
- Can demonstrate financial distress through an actual or potential loss of at least 30 per cent in revenue for the current or previous quarter in a council business unit or entity.
- Is a party to the Splinter Award or equivalent agreement.
- Has paid the eligible employee four weeks paid COVID-19 Special Leave under the Splinter Award or equivalent agreement.
- Has entered into a funding agreement with the Office for Local Government.
Job Retention Allowance payments are made directly to councils, not council workers.
Further information about the Job Retention Allowance has been provided directly to councils by the Office of Local Government.