Stand Down Notice (Fair Work s524) Template

[Letterhead or Business Name] [Business Address] [Business Phone Number] [Business Email]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Employee Name: [Employee Full Name] Employee Address: [Employee Address]

RE: NOTICE OF STAND DOWN WITHOUT PAY

Dear [Employee Name],

This notice serves to formally advise you that you are being stood down from your employment with [Business Name] effective from [Start Date] at [Start Time]. This stand down is issued under section 524 of the Fair Work Act 2009 and, where applicable, the [Insert Name of Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement].

Reason for Stand Down

You are being stood down because of the following circumstance which is beyond [Business Name]'s control and prevents you from being usefully employed:

[Select one and complete details]

[ ] Stoppage of Work: A stoppage of work has occurred at [Location/Site] because [Explain reason, e.g., severe storm damage, supplier failure, utility outage]. We cannot reasonably be held responsible for this stoppage.

[ ] Industrial Action: Industrial action is being taken by other employees at [Location/Site]. This action is affecting the performance of your duties.

[ ] Equipment Breakdown: There has been a breakdown of machinery or equipment essential for your role. Specifically, [Name of Equipment] has failed due to [Brief explanation]. As a result, we cannot provide you with useful work.

[ ] Other: [Please specify other reason compliant with the Act].

Details of the Stand Down

The stand down will commence on [Start Date]. We expect this situation to be resolved and for normal duties to resume on [Expected End Date]. However, this date is an estimate and depends on [Factor, e.g., parts arrival, weather clearing]. 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 [Business Name] during this time unless specifically requested in writing.

What you need to do

[ ] Please remain contactable during business hours on [Phone Number] so we can notify you when work resumes.

[ ] Please confirm receipt of this notice by replying to this email/letter.

[ ] 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 [Date].

Your Rights

Your employment with [Business Name] 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 [Contact Person] at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].

We regret the inconvenience this situation causes and appreciate your understanding while we resolve this issue.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Print Name] [Position, e.g., Director/Manager] [Business Name]