Information for Employers during Stage 4 Industry Restrictions - Melbourne Metro

The Victorian Government has announced changes to work in construction. While these changes will have an impact - the industry is not being completely shut down.

At this difficult time, Incolink will be your safety net.

About the changes

The restrictions keep sites operating but reduce the number of people working on sites at one time and limit workers to one site. Your employer is best placed to provide information on what this means for you.

You can find the full announcement here.

Information on workplace restrictions can be found here with construction industry guidance here.

If you or someone you know is doing it tough, please know there are supports available.

Incolink Counselling 1300 000 129

Counselling and support is available to workers and their families any time of the day or night. Simply call 1300 000 129 to talk.

On site COVID-19 Testing

We will continue to deliver COVID-19 testing to construction sites as a main priority focusing on the areas of Metropolitan Melbourne that need it most. You can read more about our continued work along side our industry partners here.

Incolink COVID-19 Payments

Eligible worker members can access an Incolink COVID-19 payment of $2,000 or the balance of their account (whichever amount is lower) if you have to self-isolate or if you are stood down. You can re-apply for this every 28-days if you continue to be eligible and funds remain in your account.

Employers must also complete a declaration via EmployerLink to confirm the conditions above.

How to make your workforce eligible.

STEP #1 – Login to EmployerLink and head to Manage Workers.

STEP #2 – Search/filter for the relevant worker/s and click their member number to edit their status.

STEP #3 – Select Change Employment Details

STEP #4 – Check the COVID-19 Payment Eligible checkbox

STEP #5 – Save changes.

Once this is completed, worker members can access COVID-19 Claims by logging into their WorkerLink account.

Eligibility Criteria

If a worker is not earning an income from their employer (including leave entitlements) because:

• of site closures by their employer due to COVID-19; or
• they are required by to self-isolate due to exposure to COVID-19 for any period prescribed by federal or state governments

then they can claim the Incolink COVID-19 Payment.

Employers must also complete a declaration via EmployerLink to confirm the conditions above.

Please note: as this is not a genuine redundancy payment, Incolink is required by the ATO to withhold tax. Incolink withholds 32% tax on COVID-19 hardship payments. Note that additional tax may be payable by you when you lodge your tax return, depending on ATO rules.

Call us on 03 9639 3000 to find out if you're eligible.