There are a number of flexible work options working carers could consider to help ease the burden of juggling work and care. On to consider is purchased leave whereby employees negotiate to take additional leave and have their salary averaged over the full year. Purchased leave is an arrangement with an employer whereby the employee arranges to take additional leave over and above the normal leave entitlements. The leave is “paid” for by having your salary reduced and averaged out over the year allowing you to have a steady income stream.

 

Purchased leave is often taken by working carers who care for children as it enables them to take the extra leave during school holidays. However it is also an option for working carers in general who may need extra leave to cope with medical appointments, hospitalisation or as a means of coping with the demands of work and care.

It is advisable to draw up a written agreement with your employer when entering a purchased leave arrangement detailing how the scheme will work.

The NSW Office of Industrial Relations recommends that the agreement covers issues such as:

• The duration of the arrangement
• The percentage of the reduction of work and income
• The amount of additional leave
• The impact of the arrangement on accrual of leave and on employer superannuation contributions
• The notice period for leave and for withdrawing from the scheme