Casual and self-employed workers are encouraged to sign up for the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee – 38 hours a year sick and carer’s pay, fully funded by the Victorian Government.

The 2-year pilot program is an Australian-first initiative that covers eligible workers in the following industries:

• Hospitality
• Food trades or food preparation
• Supermarkets
• Retail
• Sales
• Aged and disability care
• Cleaning and laundry
• Security

See the full list of eligible jobs.

Since the program’s launch in March 2022, more than 30,000 workers have already signed up. More than 21% of those registered work in regional Victoria and there has been strong uptake among carers, aides and security workers, as well as hospitality workers and cleaners.

Workers who sign up can access up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay when they’re sick and can’t go to work.

Payments are made at the national minimum wage ($21.38 per hour) and fully funded by the Victorian Government at no cost to businesses.

Employers are encouraged to tell their workers about the Sick Pay Guarantee. Staying at home when you’re sick helps keep everyone safe. It also means you can recover quicker and get back to work sooner.

Businesses benefit from healthy workers

According to research by The Australia Institute, almost one in five Australian workers, and up to 29% of young workers, acknowledged working with potential COVID symptoms during the pandemic. Other reports suggest that up to 80% of Australian workers have gone to work while they were unwell. This ‘presenteeism’ creates both health and financial risks for employers. A recent study by Trinity College Dublin found that workers who attend work while they’re sick negatively impact the workplace through burnout, impaired workability and productivity loss.

The Sick Pay Guarantee is expected to keep businesses healthier and more productive, and reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.

Casual and contract workers who sign up for the pilot program will have a financial safety net so they can stay home when they’re sick, which protects the health and safety of everyone in the workplace.