Relocation or placement assistance
Description
Eligibility for Award employees
Eligibility for non-Award employees
Description
Employers may ask employees to relocate for work purposes. In some cases the organisation may assist with the move. The organisation may provide financial assistance including:
- time off on full or partial pay to complete the move
- part or full payment for travel fares (or fuel allowance if travelling by car)
- part or full payment of accommodation expenses during the journey to the new location
- part or full payment for accommodation and food for a certain period of time
- part or full payment for removalists
Eligibility for Award employees
Some awards make provisions for relocation or placement assistance, such as the Engineering Award State 2002. Provisions that may be found include:
- paid travelling time when travelling between localities
- reasonable accommodation expenses for a specified period
- Expenses will cease when the employee has found an alternative residence
Where an award does not provide for relocation or placement assistance, then the terms and conditions of the assistance need to be negotiated.
Eligibility for non-Award employees
Employers are free to make provisions for relocation assistance and introduce them after consultation with employees. There are no restrictions or obligations for relocation assistance for non-award employees. However, employers may be mindful of work, family and lifestyle responsibilities of their employees when considering such provisions.
Employers and employees may negotiate an informal arrangement, a formal policy or a formal agreement registered or approved by an authority or tribunal. Employees should contact their human resource department or employer to find out what provisions may already be available through any such arrangement.
Last updated 21 July 2009
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