The JobKeeper scheme has allowed employers to direct employees receiving JobKeeper payments to stand down (stop working) or reduce their hours of work in certain circumstances.  These directions are called “JobKeeper enabling stand down directions”.   With JobKeeper ending on 28 March 2021, JobKeeper enabling stand down directions will cease to have any effect. This means that, if your hours have been reduced or you have stopped working because of a JobKeeper enabling stand down direction, on 29 March 2021 you should resume working your usual contracted hours of work.

It is important that both you and your employer understand that you will no longer be stood down from work or working reduced hours from 29 March 2021 under the JobKeeper laws.

Some other forms of stand-down may still be imposed by your employer in more limited circumstances where there is a stoppage of work.  You should discuss with your employer what they intend and whether you will resume your usual hours of work.  If your employer still does not have enough work for you to perform, you might be asked to agree to work reduced hours or come to some other arrangement.

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