The UWU stated that Eldercare had told workers that they would not able to remain on unpaid leave if they nominated an alternative primary employer, which is required under current COVID-19 restrictions.
But Eldercare says they have not required any of their employees to resign – and they are simply following directions by the State Government to prevent workers working across multiple sites.
“Government directions currently prevent personal carers from working with Eldercare if they are also working at another Residential Aged Care provider,” CEO Jane Pickering (pictured above) told us.
“There are employees who have not been working with Eldercare for the past three months because they elected to instead work at other Aged Care providers.”
“We have recently contacted these employees to ask their intentions regarding returning to work with Eldercare. “
“This included inviting employees to request a further period of leave from Eldercare based on personal circumstances.”
Ms Pickering added that they value both their workforce and their residents – and they need to consider their continuity of care.
“Continuity of care is best achieved with a stable, committed workforce, and wherever possible we seek to ensure that our workforce is ready and available to provide care to our residents.”