COVID-19 Leave Update (Advanced Sick Leave)

Kia Ora

I hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding advancing sick leave for staff who test positive for COVID-19, effective 1 April 2024.

As you may recall, on August 25, 2023, an announcement was made on Webcare outlining several changes concerning the management of COVID-19. Among these changes, it was communicated that the government's COVID-related wage subsidy had ceased. Consequently, any time taken off due to illness related to COVID-19 from 25 August 2023, would be deducted from your regular sick leave entitlement. To support those who may have faced a shortfall in sick leave, it was decided to advance sick leave where necessary.

However, as of 1 April 2024, Hawksbury will no longer advance sick leave. In practical terms, this means that if you do not have enough accrued sick leave to cover your time off due to illness, you will have the following options available:

· Utilise alternative leave options such as annual leave or alt leave.

· Opt for unpaid leave.

Should you find yourself in a situation where you need to use one of these options, we ask that you communicate your preference to your Manager. It's important to note that if unpaid leave is required, approval from your Regional Manager will be necessary.

In the situation where you have no sick leave, alt leave or annual leave you may take leave in advance. This must be approved by your Regional Manager.

We understand that this adjustment may impact some of you and are here to provide support and guidance as needed.

Please remember Workplace support is available to provide free employee support and counselling.

Contact:

0800 443 445 Upper South Island

0800 333 200 Lower South Island

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Nga Mihi,

Hawksbury Trust Executive Leadership Team