Taking time off work
Learn what you're entitled to, and what you need in order to apply for leave.
Discuss with your employer
Recovering from a serious injury can make it hard to do your usual job. Depending on the injury, you may need to take extended time off work.
First, check your leave entitlements then talk to your employer about:
- how long the break might be
- plans for possible backfill arrangements for your role during any absence
- your rights to privacy, job security and any support payments like workers compensation or CTP insurance schemes (if applicable)
- options for flexible return to work arrangements.
Leave and notice
Leave entitlements can vary. Minimum leave entitlements come from the National Employment Standards (NES).
An award, registered agreement or contract of employment can provide for other leave entitlements but they can’t be less than what’s in the NES.
The types of leave available can include (but is not limited to) one or a combination of:
- personal leaving, including sick and carer's leave
- annual leave
- long service leave
- leave without pay.
To apply, you generally have to:
- give notice
- supply documents like a medical certificate or statutory declaration (except for annual leave).
Read more about taking leave at the Fair Work Ombudsman.