Office Update: Cyclone Alfred Employee Impacts

Dear clients,

As we prepare for the approaching cyclone, bringing high winds and potential flooding, we hope you and your loved ones stay safe. Please take all necessary precautions and prioritise your well-being during this time.

Our office is located in the cyclone impact area, so we appreciate your patience as we navigate this situation.

We also want to remind you of employer options under the Fair Work Act regarding inclement weather and natural disasters. Employers may stand down employees without pay if they cannot be usefully employed due to a stoppage of work caused by events such as floods or cyclones Employees may choose to take annual leave, personal leave (with exceptions), or leave without pay.

Before standing down an employee under the Fair Work Act, employers should consider all other options available. These can include:

✅ Inviting employees to take a period of accrued paid leave (for example, annual leave)
✅ Requiring employees to take annual leave if their award or agreement allows it, or if the employee isn’t covered by an award or agreement (and the requirement is reasonable)
✅ Flexible work arrangements, like working from home

For full details, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidance: Pay During Inclement Weather & Natural Disasters.

Stay safe and take care! 💗