JobKeeper is here with expanded powers for employers

It was a late night for Government yesterday with the JobKeeper legislation rushing through and passing both houses before the end of the day. Last week, we gave you the key points of the JobKeeper payment ( here). However, with the new wage subsidy, employers have been given a new suite of powers to better manage their workforce through the crisis.

Employers that access the JobKeeper payment can direct employees (who receive the benefit of the payment) to work less hours, including up to nil and work different jobs or at different locations (within reason).

Before making any such directions, the employer must:

• have a reasonable belief the direction is necessary to continue the employment of one or more employees;