Changes to JobKeeper rules require employers to act no later than Monday 24 August to ensure payments for newly eligible staff are covered.
From the fortnight beginning 3 August 2020, the net for eligible employees has been widened to include more recently engaged employees in the original JobKeeper scheme.
To be an eligible employee for the remainder of the original JobKeeper payments, an employee must have been employed by the business on 1 July 2020 and meet the other eligibility tests as previously defined.
This means that staff employed between 2 March and 1 July may now be covered. It also means that casual employees who did not have 12 months’ service as at 1 March, may now meet the 12 month test as at 1 July 2020.
These staff must be provided with the latest JobKeeper nomination form by 24 August 2020 to be eligible for JobKeeper payments.
In addition, employers will have until 31 August 2020 to register those eligible employees who agree to be included in the JobKeeper application with the Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”). Likewise, the ATO have allowed for an extension until 31 August for any “top up” payments to be made in relation to these employees in order to meet the $1,500/fortnight wage condition.
Time is short, and we encourage all businesses to review their payroll for changes now.
Contact Pilot
If you require any further guidance or assistance in relation to JobKeeper payment or any of the other COVID-19 stimulus and administrative relief measures, please contact Angela Stavropoulos or Kristy Baxter on taxmed@pilotpartners.com.au or 07 3023 1300.