AN120505 – Social and Community Services Employees (State) Award

PART VI – LEAVE 

37. SICK LEAVE

37.1

(a) In the event of an employee becoming sick and unfit for duty and certified as such by a duly qualified medical practitioner, they shall be entitled to 76 hours leave on full pay for each year of service.

(b) Such leave shall be available from the beginning of each year of service.

(c) For the purpose of this clause, illness shall include stress and mental ill health.

37.2 The employer may dispense with the requirements of a medical certificate where the absence does not exceed two consecutive days or where in the employer’s opinion circumstances are such not to warrant such requirement.

37.3 Each employee shall take all reasonably practicable steps to inform the employer of their inability to attend for work and as far as possible state the estimated duration of the absence. Where practicable such notice shall be given within 24 hours of the commencement of such absence.

37.4 If the full period of sick leave as described above is not taken in any year, such portion as is not taken shall be cumulative up to five years. There shall be no payment of portions of sick leave not taken on retirement or termination.

37.5 Where an employee has, in accordance with this clause, taken sick leave, the employee shall not be required to work any ordinary hours other than those previously rostered so as to avoid or minimise the requirement on an employer to provide paid sick leave.