Direction to take annual leave during a shutdown
An employee can be directed to take annual leave during a shutdown if their award or registered agreement allows it.
On this page:
- Shutdowns
- Stand downs
- Direction to take annual leave under an agreement
- Tools and resources
- Related information
Shutdowns
A shutdown is when a business temporarily closes, such as Christmas and New Year.
Find information about when an employee can be directed to take leave during a shutdown in your award. Select your industry and award from the list below:
Stand downs
A shutdown isn't the same as a stand down.
A stand down is when an employer tells employees not to work because they can’t be usefully employed, for reasons outside the employer’s control.
Reasons for a stand down can include:
- equipment breakdown, if the employer isn’t responsible for it
- industrial action, when it’s not organised by the employer
- a stoppage of work for a reason that the employer can’t be held responsible for, such as a natural disaster.
Learn more at Stand downs.
Direction to take annual leave under an agreement
If you’re covered by a registered agreement, check the terms of your agreement for shutdowns.
Agreements can have rules about when an employee can be directed to take leave during a shutdown.
Search for your registered agreement on the Fair Work Commission – Find an agreement database.
Source reference: Fair Work Act 2009 s.93 and s.94(5b) Only relates to award/agreement free employees
