HR Solutions, November 2016 

Some practices prefer to close down for a week or so over the Christmas/New Year period as it is a slow business period.

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2010, employees working at a dental practice and covered by this award, can be directed to take annual leave during a shutdown. If an employee doesn’t have enough annual leave to cover the shutdown they can be required to take annual leave in advance, if the requirement is reasonable.

You need to advise staff at the earliest possible time that you intend to have a shutdown period over Christmas/New Year. A minimum of 4 weeks’ notice is a must. It is best to do this both verbally and in writing.

Find out how Prime Practice HR can help you here.