Victoria’s Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme has marked three years of supporting workers in the community services, contract cleaning and security sectors.
The scheme allows workers — who are more likely to move between employers than others — to claim long-service leave after seven years of work in their industry, regardless of the number of employers they have had.
Many workers were not eligible for long-service leave in these industries due to short-term contracts or changing employers.
Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas said portable long service provided fairness to thousands of Victorian workers who did a great job in the community day in and day out.
“Many employers have done the right thing and registered with the (Portable Long-Service Leave) Authority and we encourage all businesses to seek out information about their obligations to their workers.”
Since July 2019, more than 227,000 workers have been registered and will be eligible to claim a portable long-service benefit.
More than 2800 employers have registered with the Portable Long-Service Authority, paying a levy of 1.65-1.8 per cent of a worker’s wage to fund benefits.
PLSA chief executive Joseph Yeung said the authority was pleased with the high levels of employer registration, but there was still a long way to go.
“Advertising and social media campaigns are being developed to educate employers about their legal obligations to be registered with the authority,” Mr Yeung said.
Employers and workers can get more information on portable long-service leave by phoning 1800 517 158, emailing enquiries@plsa.vic.gov.au or visiting plsa.vic.gov.au