The Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme (the Scheme) allows employees who change employers to carry their accrued long service leave over to their new employer, provided they are staying within an industry covered by the scheme.

The Scheme officially came into effect on 1 July 2019, allowing employees to have access to long service leave entitlements after seven years in the industry, regardless of the number of employers they work for over that time.

The Scheme originally covered the industries:

• Cleaning
• Security
• Community services

However, more industries have recently been included in the model.

As of 1 January 2020, any activity funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as well as services provided by licensed children’s services and approved providers under the Education and Care Services National Law, are now included in the Scheme as community services work.

How do I know if I’m a community services employer under the Scheme?

To be an employer for the community services sector under the Scheme, you must be:

• a not-for-profit entity that employs one or more individuals to perform community service work
• an entity for profit that employs one or more individuals to perform community service work for persons with a disability
• an entity prescribed under the Interim Regulations.

Eligible employers, with workers undertaking these types of work, are required to register with the Portable Long Service Leave Authority by 31 March 2020. They will then be required to submit Quarterly Returns to the Portable Long Service Authority and pay the employer levy.

For more information for businesses employing community services workers and how portable long service applies see the following link: www.vic.gov.au/portable-long-service-community-services-sector

If you are an employer or employee within any of the effected industries and have any questions in regards to portable long service leave, please give us a call on 03 5443 0344.