Question 1

What must I pay household staff who work on a public holiday?

Accepted Answer

If it is a day they would normally work and they work it, that is at least double their daily wage - double in total, not double plus the normal day's pay.

Question 2

What if they work a public holiday that is not a normal working day for them?

Accepted Answer

For household staff, a public holiday worked on a day they would not normally work is paid at their normal daily wage plus pay for the hours they actually worked.

Question 3

Can I put staff on the roster for a public holiday?

Accepted Answer

No - work on a public holiday is by agreement only. Paying double does not create the agreement.

Question 4

Do household staff get paid for a public holiday they do not work?

Accepted Answer

If the public holiday falls on a day they would normally work and they stay home, they are paid their normal day's pay. They do not lose money.