The stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne has seen the Australian government announce some additional amendments to the JobKeeper program.
- From 3 August 2020 the relevant date of employment will move from 1 March to 1 July 2020. Previously the scheme was only open to employees who were employed by the business as at 1 March 2020. The scheme will now cover employees who were employed by the business on or before 1 July 2020.
Previously, businesses planning to receive JobKeeper from September 28 to January 3 were going to be required to meet the drop in turnover requirements in both the June and September quarters. Under the new changes announced today (7 August 2020), businesses will just need to show they have met the reduction in turnover requirements for the September quarter, compared to the same period last year.
Businesses will have to prove their eligibility again in January, but it will be based off the December quarter rather than the two previous quarters.
To be eligible for JobKeeper Payments under the extension, businesses and not-for-profits will need to demonstrate that they have experienced the following decline in turnover (which remains the same percentage as the existing rules):
- 50 per cent for those with an aggregated turnover of more than $1 billion;
- 30 per cent for those with an aggregated turnover of $1 billion or less; or
- 15 per cent for Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission-registered charities (excluding schools and universities).
- Registered religious institutions responsible for religious practitioners will continue to be eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment provided they meet existing eligibility requirements and the additional turnover tests during the extension period.
For more information on the topic, please contact us on 1300 887 458 and speak with one of our HR Consultants. If you are interested in learning more about our HR services, including HR Outsourcing, HR Consulting, HR Advisory Services, contact us at enquiries@liquidhr.com.au.
