ACT delays long service leave expansion for hospitality and beauty sectors

The ACT Government has postponed expanding portable long service leave entitlements to hospitality, accommodation, hairdressing and beauty workers, citing difficult trading conditions affecting businesses in these sectors. The scheme, which allows workers to accumulate and carry leave entitlements between employers, was expected to roll out to these industries but has now been delayed by six months.

The decision reflects ongoing economic headwinds facing Canberra's hospitality and tourism-related businesses. Many venues and beauty businesses have struggled with rising operating costs, staffing challenges and changing consumer spending patterns in the post-pandemic environment. Industry representatives argued additional leave obligations could strain already tight budgets.

For workers in these sectors, the delay means continued uncertainty about leave protections that other industries have accessed through portable schemes. The ACT Government framed the decision as a pragmatic response to sector conditions, suggesting that expanding leave obligations during a difficult trading period could undermine business viability and ultimately affect employment stability and job creation in hospitality and beauty services.

Sources: citynews.com.au.

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