Sick Leave vs. Carer’s Leave: What You Need to Know
Dec 1, 2024
When an unexpected illness strikes or a loved one requires care, understanding your leave entitlements under Australian law can help you manage these situations with ease. Both Sick Leave and Carer’s Leave are designed to ensure that employees can prioritize health and family responsibilities while maintaining job security. So, what’s the difference, and how do they work? Let’s break it down.
Sick Leave: Taking Care of Yourself
What is it?
Sick leave, also referred to as personal leave, allows employees to take paid or unpaid time off when they are unfit for work due to illness or injury.
Key Points to Know:
Sick leave is part of the National Employment Standards (NES) and applies to all employees covered by the Fair Work Act 2009.
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 10 days of paid personal leave per year (pro-rata for part-time workers).
Employers may request evidence—like a medical certificate or a Certificate for Absence from Work—to validate the absence.
Sick leave cannot be backdated, meaning it starts from the day of consultation with a healthcare professional.
When to Use It:
Use sick leave when you are unwell or recovering from an injury and cannot safely perform your job.
Carer’s Leave: Supporting a Loved One
What is it?
Carer’s leave enables employees to take time off to care for or support an immediate family or household member who is sick, injured, or facing an unexpected emergency.
Key Points to Know:
Like sick leave, carer’s leave is also part of the 10-day annual personal leave entitlement.
If the carer’s leave is unpaid (for casual employees), employees can still take time off, but evidence may be required.
Immediate family members include a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, sibling, or step-relations. Household members are individuals living under the same roof, even if not related.
A pharmacist, for example, can issue a Certificate for Carer’s Leave, provided they verify the need for care through a consultation.
When to Use It:
Carer’s leave should be used when a family or household member requires your care due to illness, injury, or emergency.
When Evidence is Required
Employers have the right to request proof that leave is legitimate.
Sick Leave: A medical certificate issued by a doctor or a pharmacist’s Certificate for Absence from Work can serve as evidence.
Carer’s Leave: A certificate stating the need to care for a family member, including details like the relationship and care duration, may be required.
Pro Tip: Always check with your employer to confirm which certificates are acceptable under your workplace policy.
Final Thoughts
Both sick leave and carer’s leave provide critical support when health or family emergencies arise. By understanding the nuances between the two, employees can navigate their rights responsibly while ensuring compliance with workplace requirements.
If you’re unsure about your situation, consult your employer or HR department and if you require a leave certificate, your pharmacist or doctor can help provide the necessary documentation.
