Unions NSW has welcomed the State Government's decision to expand eligibility for its $320 test and isolate payment to workers in all corners of the State, beyond the 12 LGAs of concern.
Under expanded eligibility from today, any worker over 17 without access to paid leave or the capacity to work from home is eligible for a $320 payment if they have had a COVID-19 test, and need to self-isolate after the test.
The payment is also available to those who have to care for someone who has to self-isolate and don't have paid leave or the capacity to work from home.
Unions have campaigned for the expanded eligibility.
"The link between economic security and public health has never been clearer. No one should pay a financial penalty for looking after their health and doing the right thing by the community," said Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW.
"We need to make it as easy as possible for workers to do the right thing and know their COVID status, regardless of whether they are permanent, casual or contract workers.
"Expanding access to this payment is critically important. The Premier can add to this important initiative by also making the case tomorrow at National Cabinet for universal paid vaccination leave."
