Companies who employ Defence Reservists and claim financial assistance through the Employer Support Payment Scheme will now receive more money, according to the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP.
Employer Support Payments (ESPs) rose on 1st July 2009 from $1123.30 to $1183.10, for every week full-time employee Reservists are away from their civilian jobs, once the qualifying period of two weeks and other eligibility criteria are satisfied, Kelly said.
“The Scheme was introduced to provide financial assistance to both employers and self-employed reservists,” said Kelly.
“The weekly payment helps offset the costs associated with the absence of Reservist employees who are performing Defence service.”
For Reservists in part-time employment, a pro-rata amount of the applicable Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) is calculated based on their weekly working hours. ESP support is also available to self-employed Reservists whose business provides their main source of income.
In order for an employer to qualify for ESP payments, their Reservist employees must perform Defence service for five or more consecutive days after completing the qualifying period.
Employers can download claim forms here. Alternatively, click on the Contact This Company tag at bottom right to send an email to the company.