–IMPORTANT–
From TODAY 12 July, all workplaces and retail businesses must use the NSW Government’s QR code to check in all visitors, including customers, staff, contractors and delivery people. Non-complying businesses can be fined or even temporarily closed. For more details, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe/customer-record-keeping/setting-up-electronic-check-and-qr-codes Note that while farms are exempt from requiring QR code checks, it’s a good idea to keep a log of visitors to protect workers and make sure this exemption can continue.
? Regional News
- The Regional Seniors Travel Card ($250 prepaid card) has been extended and expanded! If you are already eligible, don’t forget to apply through Service NSW soon. Applications for 2022 cards will open in the new year for the expanded list of eligible applicants.
- The NSW Government has extended the 50% hotel quarantine subsidy for overseas agricultural workers.
- Round 2 of the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme is now open – apply here: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/emergency-water-infrastructure-rebate
? Health News
- Lockdown continues for Greater Sydney with higher level restrictions now in force.
- Restrictions remain in place for regional NSW, including the following requirements:
- You must wear a face mask on public transport and in all indoor non-residential premises (including workplaces). Note: if you are working from home, your home does not count as a workplace.
- Only 5 visitors, including children, can visit another household at any one time.
- Venues may have the greater of 25 people or 1 person per 4 square metres (not including staff or people picking up takeaway food).
- For the full list of current restrictions, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw
- The NSW Government has announced further support packages for small businesses, and tourism and hospitality businesses, affected by the pandemic – we will share further details once applications open.
- Extensive vaccination coverage is the best way for Australia to avoid further lockdowns and manage any outbreaks that do occur. Find out how to book in for your vaccine here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/getting-vaccinated
? Business & Employment News
- The NSW Dine and Discover Vouchers have been extended again to 31 August!
- Two companies in Iceland trialled a 4 day working week for 4 years, and research has found that worker wellbeing dramatically increased across a range of indicators, and productivity remained the same or even improved in the majority of trial workplaces. Since the trial ended in 2019, more than 86% of Iceland’s workforce has moved to shorter hours for the same pay, or will be given the right to do so.
- Future Super has joined the small group of Australian companies offering 6 days of paid menstrual and menopause leave to their employees.
- With JobKeeper now 3 months in the rear vision mirror, there has been a sharp increase in workers lodging complaints with the Fair Work Ombudsman about their employers or former employers failing to comply with their obligations. If you’ve needed to make changes to your employees’ shifts, hours, place of work, etc, ensure you are doing it lawfully.
