Government unveils sick leave plan for casual workers (but not everyone is happy)

Some casual workers will receive sick pay under a new state government plan.

But not everybody is happy about it.

Hospitality workers, chefs, supermarket, retail and supply chain workers are among those eligible to register for the $245 million Sick Pay Guarantee.

More than 150,000 workers are expected to be eligible for the pilot program, which will be fully funded by government over the first two years.

An “industry levy” is expected to fund the scheme long-term.

Wayne runs a restaurant and rang 3AW Mornings to voice his displeasure at the news, saying he’d already spoken with two publicans who were equally concerned.

“Hospitality is already on its knees and the government is doing this,” he said.

“Are they trying to destroy hospitality?”

Wayne said it was all but certain the sick leave entitlement would be abused by workers who didn’t feel like going to work.

He said the casual rate of pay was already meant to cover sick leave.

Press PLAY below hear him explain