Stand Down Notice (Fair Work s524) Example
Example document for Stand Down Notice (Fair Work s524). Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: Stand Down Notice (Fair Work s524)
Example Document
Last updated 7/29/2026
Apex Concrete Solutions 12 Industrial Drive Reservoir VIC 3073 (03) 9000 1111 admin@apexconcrete.com.au
Date: 14 October 2023
Employee Name: Mr James Smith Employee Address: 4 Builder Lane, Thomastown VIC 3074
RE: NOTICE OF STAND DOWN WITHOUT PAY
Dear James,
This notice serves to formally advise you that you are being stood down from your employment with Apex Concrete Solutions effective from 14 October 2023 at 12:00 PM. This stand down is issued under section 524 of the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020.
Reason for Stand Down
You are being stood down because of the following circumstance which is beyond Apex Concrete Solutions' control and prevents you from being usefully employed:
[X] Stoppage of Work: A stoppage of work has occurred at the Westfield Doncaster site because a severe electrical storm has caused a site-wide power outage and the site crane has been immobilised by lightning strike. WorkSafe Victoria has advised that the site must remain closed until structural safety is confirmed. We cannot reasonably be held responsible for this stoppage.
Details of the Stand Down
The stand down will commence on 14 October 2023. We expect this situation to be resolved and for normal duties to resume on 16 October 2023. However, this date is an estimate and depends on the electricians repairing the site switchboard. We will provide you with updates as they become available.
During this period, you are not required to attend work. You will not receive pay for the hours you are stood down. You must not perform any work for Apex Concrete Solutions during this time unless specifically requested in writing.
What you need to do
[X] Please remain contactable during business hours on 0412 345 678 so we can notify you when work resumes.
[X] Please confirm receipt of this notice by replying to this email.
[ ] You may choose to access any accrued annual leave during this period if you wish to continue receiving income. If you wish to do so, please confirm how many hours/days you wish to take by 14 October 2023.
Your Rights
Your employment with Apex Concrete Solutions will continue during this stand down. Your length of service and accrued leave entitlements (annual leave, personal leave) remain intact. You are not being terminated.
If you have any questions regarding this notice or your entitlements, please contact Sarah Jenkins at (03) 9000 1111 or admin@apexconcrete.com.au.
We regret the inconvenience this situation causes and appreciate your understanding while we resolve this issue.
Sincerely,
/Signed/
Sarah Jenkins Operations Manager Apex Concrete Solutions
Notes
In this example, the employer identifies a valid reason under the Act: a stoppage of work due to a storm and safety authority advice. Note that the employer checks if the employee can take annual leave instead of being unpaid. The employer sets a clear expectation for the employee to remain contactable. The reference to the Modern Award is included to ensure compliance.
About this Example
Part of the Stand Down Notice (Fair Work s524) document collection
Document Type
Stand Down Notice (Fair Work s524)
A formal written notification to an employee that they are being stood down without pay because work cannot be done due to specific circumstances like equipment breakdown or industrial action.