You may get behind with paying your staff because of the bushfires.

Is your business still viable?
Can your business recover?
You may need to work out whether your business is still viable. You can do this by:
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Talking to your accountant
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Use the Australian Taxation Office’s business viability assessment tool
Can’t pay my staff
Step 1 Work out if you need to close your small business temporarily or permanently
You need to ensure you apply the correct employee entitlements during the closure. Your employees may have rights under an agreement or an award. If there is no agreement or award, the Fair Work Act will apply.
The Fair Work Act enables you to stand down an employee without pay if:
- The business has stopped trading or work because of something for which an employer cannot reasonably be held responsible such as a bushfire; and
- The employee cannot be usefully employed during that time
Before standing down employees without pay you should consider other options, which could include:
- Asking employees if they wish to use their annual leave entitlements
- Flexible work arrangements, for example, working from home
If you are closing your business permanently, you need to ensure all your employees’ entitlements are paid.
You should get legal advice on your options.
See information from the Fair Work Ombudsman on Employment entitlements during natural disasters and emergencies.
Step 2 You are still trading but cannot pay your staff
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You employed at least eligible employee -
your eligible employees are currently employed by your business for the fortnights you claim (including those who are stood down or re-hired) -
Your business has faced a 30% fall in turnover or 15% fall in turnover (for ACNC registered charities other than universities and schools) -
Your business is not ineligible -
For full details and how to apply see JobKeeper Payment
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Reducing staff -
Negotiating for staff to take leave -
Financing the payroll
Step 3 Keep you staff informed
Maintaining your relationship with your staff is a critical part of running your business. Keeping them informed is important.
If there is a stand down, employees must be notified in writing whether they will be paid and how this will affect other employee entitlements.
Step 4 Getting help
The Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of information for small businesses on managing employees. The information covers information and template letters. It is available here.
There is also information available from employer associations. A list of employer associations can be found here.
Step 5 Speak to one of our financial counsellors
IIf your problem still hasn’t been solved, or you’re feeling overwhelmed, call us on 1800 413 828 to speak with one of our small business financial counsellors.
Warning: This is for information only. Do not rely on it as legal advice. It is recommended that you seek specific advice on your own situation.