Personal/Carer's Leave Policy
This Personal/Carer’s Leave Policy can be used to clarify when employees are eligible to take this leave. This Policy also outlines how the entitlement to leave is calculated, the process that needs to be followed if an employee needs to use this leave, and the associated evidence requirements.
5.0 (1 reviews)
Last updated December 18, 2024
Under 5 minutes
Suitable for Australia
Written by
Edwin Montoya Zorrilla
Reviewed by
Damin Murdock
Document Overview
This Personal/Carer’s Leave Policy can be used to help your employees feel supported in the workplace in case they are sick, or have carer’s obligations for a sick family member. Using this Policy also helps protect your Company in the event of a dispute where an employee has not complied with the notification or evidence requirements.
The Legal Risk Score of a Personal/Carer's Leave Policy Template
Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:
- There is a risk that employees may not provide sufficient evidence for their leave due to illness or emergency, leading to potential disputes or disciplinary actions.
- The policy does not allow for the cashing out or payment of unused personal/carer’s leave upon termination, which might lead to dissatisfaction among employees who have accumulated significant leave.
- The document does not specify the timeframe within which an employee must provide a medical certificate or statutory declaration, which could lead to inconsistencies in enforcement and potential misunderstandings.
Personal/Carer's Leave Policy Checklist
Complete your free Personal/Carer's Leave Policy with our checklist
Ensure Proper Notification Procedures
Employees should be trained on how to notify their managers of absences due to illness, injury, or carer’s responsibilities, ensuring compliance with the policy’s requirements for direct communication.
Document Evidence Requirements
Ensure that all employees are aware of the types of evidence required (medical certificate or statutory declaration) when taking leave for illness or unexpected emergencies, and the conditions under which these should be submitted.
Monitor and Address Absences
Managers should actively monitor both short-term and long-term absences to address any patterns of excessive or prolonged leave, adhering to the proactive approach outlined in the policy.
Review and Update Policy Regularly
Regularly review and update the leave policy to reflect any changes in national employment standards or company circumstances, ensuring ongoing compliance and relevance.
Use this Policy if:
- You want to provide clarity on when Personal/Carer’s Leave can be taken;
- You need to ensure there are clear notification and evidence requirements in place for employees thinking of taking this leave;
- You need to protect your Company from any potential disputes or claims relating to this leave, including where employees don’t adequately notify the Company or provide appropriate evidence; and
- You want your employees to know that there are leave entitlements available to support them in the event that they are unwell, or have to care for a sick family member.
What does this Policy cover?
- Eligibility for Personal/Carer’s Leave, including unpaid leave;
- A definition of immediate family or household members for the purpose of Carer’s Leave;
- How an employee’s Personal/Carer’s Leave entitlement is calculated; and
- Notification and evidence requirements for employees wishing to take this leave.
Further information:
It's never been so easy
Sign-up to a free Lawpath account
Get started and we’ll take care of you. It’s that easy.
Collaborate with e-Sign and Sharing
Having access to your legal documents has never been easier. You can request e-signature, share the document and download for an efficient collaboration.
Create unlimited legal documents and eSignatures for only $39/month.
Upgrade to a Lawpath legal plan to boost your new business.
Here's what people say about Lawpath’s Personal/Carer's Leave Policy
Reviews are managed by BazaarVoice and comply with the BazaarVoice Authenticity Policy. Reviews are independently verified by BazaarVoice and detail our customers' real experiences.