The agreement struck for government to provide funding for workers required to ‘sleepover’ as part of their workplace arrangements has been cautiously welcomed by the Employers & Manufacturers Association.

“Its good the sleepovers issue is to be resolved, but some employers will be nervously waiting to see how far the government’s generosity will extend,” said David Lowe, Employment Services Manager for the EMA.

“Employers are pleased the government is prepared to stump up with the funding necessary to settle the case,” he said.

“However the precedent affects more employers than just those in the disability and health care sectors, and it remains to be seen if the legislation applies to all employers, or just those who are government funded, or those who are government funded through the health vote.

“Some employers in education and other sectors will be nervously watching how far the breadth of the proposed legislation will extend before giving it an unqualified tick.”