Casual and contract workers across Geelong are being encouraged to sign up to the state government’s Sick Pay Guarantee.
Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt visited Geelong’s Eastern Hub Community Centre last week to meet with disability workers who were eligible for the first phase of the Sick Pay Guarantee.
Workers who sign up to the two-year pilot program will receive up to five days a year of sick and carer’s pay at the national minimum wage, fully funded by the state government.
So far, more than six per cent of approved applications are from the greater Geelong area.
Ms Stitt said the $245.6 million Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee would help eligible workers who were unwell to stay at home and reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, keeping businesses healthier and more productive.
“We need every worker for the recovery of our economy – the best way to do that is through secure work,” she said.
“This scheme will protect more Victorians and give them the support they need so they don’t have to make the choice between a day’s pay and looking after their health.”
Occupations in the first phase include hospitality workers, food trades workers and preparation assistants such as chefs and kitchen hands, supermarket and supply chain workers, retail and sales assistants, aged and disability care workers, cleaners, laundry workers and security guards.
More than 150,000 Victorian workers are eligible in this first phase of the pilot.
There are approximately 24,000 casual workers in the greater Geelong area, making up nearly a quarter of the region’s total workforce.
Healthcare and social service is the largest employer in the greater Geelong area, followed by retail and accommodation and food services – all of which are eligible industries under phase one of the Sick Pay Guarantee.
Casual and contract workers are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply now at vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee or use the Service Victoria app.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens encouraged eligible locals to apply for the scheme.
“This scheme will help to keep our community and local businesses safe and healthy,” she said.
“I encourage all eligible casual and contract workers in the greater Geelong area to apply.”
