The terms “bereavement and compassionate leave” are still in use. There have however been changes over time in how an entitlement to compassionate or bereavement leave arises, who is entitled to paid leave and from where the basic entitlement arises.
Bereavement leave is rolled up into a “omnibus” provision under the National Employment Standards. As a result, the rights of employees and obligations of employers may not always be easy to understand. For the sake of consistency, we will now refer to both names for the same sort of leave as compassionate leave, adopting the model set by the Fair Work Act.
NANA has published another conditions of employment guide – Compassionate Leave which is now available for download from NANA’s web site at www.nana.com.au.
Members requiring assistance are invited to contact NANA on 1300 113 044 or by email to nana@nana.com.au.
