This is a resource page on the Jobkeeper program initiated to help businesses, sole traders and employees manage the loss of work and productivity as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We hope you find this resource useful. If you have any questions at all please get in touch with us here.
JOBKEEPER CHECKLIST
Download the free JobKeeper Checklist here.
GENERAL
EMPLOYEES
Eligible employees fit the following criteria:
- Were employed by an eligible employer at 1 March 2020
- Can be sole traders, full-time, part-time, or long-term casuals employed on a regular basis for longer than 12 months as at 1 March 2020.
- Are at least 16 years of age, but those aged 16 or 17 must be financially independent to qualify
- Are an Australian citizen, the holder of a permanent visa, a protected special category visa, a non-protected special category visa who has been residing continually in Australia for 10 years or more, or a New Zealander on a special category (subclass 444) visa.
EMPLOYERS
Eligible employers are businesses (including companies, partnerships, trusts and sole traders), not-for-profits and charities and must meet the following criteria:
- With a turnover of less than $1bn that have lost 30% or more of their revenue compared to a comparable period a year ago.
- With a turnover of $1bn or more and with at least a 50% reduction in revenue compared to a comparable period a year ago.
- For registered charities except for educational institutions such as universities, the threshold is a decline in turnover of 15% or more, under changes announced on 6 April. Charities are allowed to exclude government revenue from the turnover test.
VIDEO RESOURCES
A few educational videos about job keeper payment scheme.
What can business owners do to prepare for JobKeeper
The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg explains the JobKeeper Payment in plain English
FAQ
Do employees have to make up extra hours to get paid the job keeper payment?
Employers can ask employees to work the extra hours, but employees can refuse if they aren’t able to for a specific reason. I think the intention is for employees who had fewer hours before Jobkeeper to be able to make up hours for those that have had their hours reduced. This would be to help the business trade through this period and keep as many jobs open as possible. For more detailed info check out the fairwork website.