Mandatory 7 days leave at my annual leave expense?
Hi guys,
I tested positive for COVID at the beginning of last week. Upon notifying my employer, they advised that I must take a mandatory 7 day leave period before returning to work. For that, I can use sick leave, but I only have enough to cover half of that seven days. They don’t allow us to take unpaid leave, so I’m expected to use my annual leave for the remainder.
Is this allowed? Can they enforce it?
I work under the SCHADS award, in case that is relevant. Some have suggested just going into work and not advising of the COVID, but I did not do that as I feel that would be both unethical and irresponsible, especially given I work with vulnerable people.
I’ll also mention that this is the fourth time in three years that I’ve had to take 7 days leave for COVID. I also caught the COVID from work all four times. I tolerated the first three instances, but I’m kinda sick of having to take mandatory leave at my own expense.
TYIA!