Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has announced a two-year trial plan that will offer casual Victorian workers up to five days paid sick leave per year.

Eligible casual and contract workers under the plan will receive up to five days a year of sick or carer’s pay at the national minimum wage, which is currently $20.33 an hour or $772.60 per week.

The plan is designed to offer relief to casual workers and help address the “toxic” nature of insecure work that the pandemic has shun a light on, as well as reduce the instances where casual workers go to work when sick, due to the consequences calling in sick may have on their finances.

The first phase is open to approximately 150,000 Victorian workers in:

• hospitality
• retail
• aged and disability care
• cleaning and laundry services
• security
• supermarket and supply chain industries.

What does this mean for employers?

During the two year pilot is expected to cost around $245.6 million and is government-funded, after that it may be funded via a levy applied to business.

The leave applications are handled by the employee and in most cases will not require employer input at all.

What does it mean for employees?

Employees can now take some financial pressure off themselves when they are sick and apply for the assistance on the Service Victoria website.

In addition to proof of identity documents, you must provide documentation of employment – a recent pay slip, employment contract, letter or email from your employer in order to apply.

If you are self-employed you can use a recent Business Activity Statement, your latest PAYG summary, an ASIC or ABR registration confirmation, a recent invoice or a Statutory Declaration.