16 October Managing employee leave applications October 16, 2018 By Reef Admin Leave provisions 0 Do employers have a legal right to require employees to complete a leave application form each time they seek leave? The Fair Work Act 2009 doesn’t mandate a specific procedure to be used when employees apply for any kind of leave. However, the Act does say that the employee should provide notice “as soon as practicable” for the taking of personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave. When it comes to annual leave, it may be taken for a period agreed to between the employer and employee, and the employer must not unreasonably refuse a request. Further, the Fair Work Regulations imposes record keeping requirements. Employers must make and keep records of any leave employees take and the balance of leave remaining. REEF strongly recommends that every agency has a policy relating to applying for leave, both paid and unpaid. The policy should require your full-time and part-time employees to complete a leave application form every time the employee is absent, whether it’s for one hour, one week, one month or longer. You can download a template Leave Application Form from the People Management System. Simply login to the system and click on the ‘Record keeping’ item in the ‘Library’ tab. Related Changes to annual leave provisions now in play In an important decision by the Fair Work Commission, annual leave provisions in modern awards have been varied to provide greater administrative flexibility. The changes apply from the first pay period on or after 29 July 2016. Real Estate Industry Award: Out with the old, in with the new After a long battle, the Fair Work Commission has now finalised the four-year award review and the new Real Estate Industry Award will commence on 2 April 2018. Here's what you need to know before the changes kick in. Doctor, give me the news: Employee entitlement to personal/carer's leave It’s not uncommon for an employee to ask for a few hours off to visit their GP or attend a specialist medical appointment. They’re not sick, but there’s something they need attended to. Are they entitled to personal/carer’s leave? Domestic violence leave now available to employees From 1 August 2018, all employees covered by modern awards have access to family and domestic violence leave. Here's what you need to know. Buying an agency? You need to understand employee entitlements The sale of a real estate agency is something most business owners will face at some point. Here are some things to be aware of when it comes to employee entitlements. What information must be given to a parental leave replacement employee? REEF Workplace Relations Advisor James Burton answers this important employment question. Comments are closed.