Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
We’re here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities at work during the impact of coronavirus.
We encourage employees and employers to work together to find solutions that suit their individual workplaces and circumstances.
The information on this website covers workplace laws, obligations and entitlements for:
- employers and employees affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
- employers and employees participating in the JobKeeper scheme (qualifying employers and eligible employees)
- employers and employees who previously participated in the JobKeeper scheme (legacy employers and eligible employees).
Check our News and updates section to see what's been updated recently.
Returning to work & the workplace
In this section, you’ll find:
Pay & leave during coronavirus
In this section, you’ll find:
JobKeeper scheme
In this section, you’ll find:
Temporary changes to workplace laws
In this section, you’ll find:
Health & safety in the workplace
In this section, you’ll find:
Alternative working arrangements
In this section, you’ll find:
Stand downs
In this section, you’ll find:
Ending employment & redundancy
In this section, you’ll find:
In this section, you’ll find:
Other government information & assistance
In this section, you’ll find:
Help in your language during coronavirus
In this section, you’ll find:
In this section, you’ll find:
News and updates
25 November 2020
Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy
The Australian Government has announced a Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy to support employers and Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ new apprentices and trainees.
Learn more about the wage subsidy, employer eligibility and where to find our updated information at Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy.
19 November 2020
Temporary changes to Clerks Award extended again
The Fair Work Commission has extended Schedule I in the Clerks Award again. The temporary schedule provides increased workplace flexibility to employers and employees covered by this award during coronavirus. It now applies until 29 March 2021.
Read our updated information at Clerks Award flexibility during coronavirus.
Employee entitlements over Christmas and New Year break
Employees and employers looking for information on employee entitlements over the holiday period can learn more at Entitlements over the Christmas and New Year break. We cover off the rules and obligations that apply including:
- directing employees to take leave
- taking leave during a shut down (paid and unpaid)
- public holidays entitlements and obligations
- what applies under JobKeeper for the holiday period.
Find out more at Entitlements over the Christmas and New Year break.
Previous news and updates
To view a list of previous updates to our website, go to our Previous news and updates page.
About our information
We'll continue to update the information on our website as the situation develops and as needed. The information provided is current as at the time of the last update. It is not legal advice but represents the views of the Fair Work Ombudsman based on the best available information. We encourage you to regularly check this page for more information.