Jobkeeper and part time employed

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asx

Active Member
24 April 2020
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Hey all
I have a question regarding jobkeeper. I have contracted employment to work 24hrs/week perm part time with usual salary of ~$1800 per fortnight. My employer is applying for Jobkeeper and has now reduced my hours to 20hrs/week and this will equate to me earning ~$1500 per fortnight. In my perspective I wouldn't benefit with Jobkeeper.
My colleague on the other hand, is contracted to work 16hrs /week , her hours will be reduced to 12hrs/week and if jobkeeper payment comes through she will be eligible for the full $1500. Ultimately, I am working more hours than her but we will be paid the same amount. I feel this is unfair on my behalf. Am I able to request my employer to reduce my hours further , or to share the same amount of hours work between us?
 

Tim W

Lawyer
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28 April 2014
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Are you on the same hourly rate, in "normal times" ?
 

Rod

Lawyer
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27 May 2014
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In my perspective I wouldn't benefit with Jobkeeper.

Not true. You keep your job, albeit on less pay.

Am I able to request my employer to reduce my hours further , or to share the same amount of hours work between us?

Yes, though the employer does not have to agree.
 

asx

Active Member
24 April 2020
7
0
31
Are you on the same hourly rate, in "normal times" ?

Yes I am on same hourly rate... I am an essential worker (physio) and there is work. however I think my company is trying to cut hours to project that the company is at a 30% loss to be eligiable for jobkeeper scheme. but my employer has reduced my hours so that I am making at $1500.
 

asx

Active Member
24 April 2020
7
0
31
Yes, though the employer does not have to agree.

I see. I am just wondering though why employers are reducing hours of staff that are already on low contracted hours. Because regardless they will get $1500. And for someone like me who are doing more hours and still getting $1500..
 

Rod

Lawyer
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27 May 2014
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You get the higher of your wage or $1,500. With less sales, the employer wants to cutdown on wages.
 
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