Stood down Federal Group employees look set to receive $1500 a fortnight under the Australian Government's massive $130 billion JobKeeper package.
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The casino and tourism operator stood down about 1500 employees from Wrest Point, Country Club, Tourism, Vantage Group, Odyssey Gaming and Network Gaming at midnight on Sunday, March 29.
Managing director of Greg Farrell, says the package is welcome news.
"We are moving quickly to understand the details of this new policy to ensure this payment is available for
eligible employees as soon as possible," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the package will allow employers impacted by the coronavirus to maintain contact with six million workers over the next six months.
"For workers in the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors it will equate to a full median replacement wage payment,"' he said.
It would provide the equivalent of around 70 per cent of the national median wage.
Employers will receive a payment of $1500 per fortnight per eligible employee which then goes to workers before tax.
Last Friday Mr Farrell wrote to employees.
"Federal group has decided to proceed with the proposed stand down," he said.
"This is not a decision which Federal Group has made lightly."
"During the stand down you remain employed but you are not required to attend work.
"Under the Fair Work Act 2009 you will not receive pay during the stand down period."
Federal, which reportedly made a $17 million profit last year, is investigating the JobKeeper package.
Mr Farrell said the company was concerned about 156 employees who are foreign visa holders and thus not eligible for the Job Keeper payment or other government support.
"We are doing what we can to support our vulnerable team members, including making accommodation available," he said.
"We encourage the Government to look at what support it can provide to foreign visa workers many who can't afford to return home, can't access flights or are concerned about their health if returning to places more severely impacted by COVID-19," he said.
Federal first announced its intention to stand down staff on March 23 after poker machines in casinos, pubs and clubs were closed because of restrictions on gatherings.