Protect employer members
The outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus will impact Protect employer members in varying ways. Those facing the prospect of shut down should make note of the following:
Download:
Our Employer Relations Manager
We appreciate many businesses will be experiencing financial hardship during these unprecedented times. Therefore, should you have any hardship concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Employer Relations Manager via email joyce@protect.net.au to discuss your options. We will attempt to assist you as best we can in consideration of your circumstances.
Severance contributions may be waived
Should a workplace be shut down due to COVID-19 coronavirus, severance contributions will not be payable during this time, where workers retain their employment but cannot attend work. This may be subject to any conditions specific to your EBA.
You must continue paying premiums
In order for the insurance policy to continue to provide insurance coverage for employees in the event they become sick or injured while stood down from work, it is important that employers continue to pay their insurance contributions.
We appreciate many businesses will be experiencing financial hardship during these unprecedented times. Therefore, should you have concerns regarding the payment of your contributions, please do not hesitate to contact our Employer Relations Manager via email joyce@protect.net.au to discuss your options. We will attempt to assist you as best we can in consideration of your circumstances.
The date of shut down & employment status of workers
If shutting down is inevitable, please advise us of the shut down date via email info@protect.net.au so that we can adjust your account as applicable. For example, removing the severance contribution obligation.
If you are in a position where you must let staff go, please terminate them from your online Protect account on the day of termination. This will expedite payments to workers in a difficult time.
Workers may be eligible for a hardship payment
To help counter the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 Coronavirus, Protect has been granted approval by the Tax Office to make a hardship payment to workers from their account balance in the event that they are stood down without pay and are not relying on other forms of payment (annual leave or long service leave), and they remain employed. Where a worker is terminated and is unemployed, a termination or redundancy payment would apply.
Hardship payments are available from 27 March, 2020. Workers can complete the hardship application form on the Protect website.
The policy does not contain any exclusions related to a pandemic
The Protect Injury & Sickness Policy (the Policy) provides income support for financial members who are declared unfit for work by a medical practitioner due to a covered injury or illness.
The Policy does not contain any exclusions, provisions or limitations specifically related to a pandemic virus that you might find in other insurance policies. Generally speaking, if a Protect member were to contract the virus and became unable to work as a result then it is likely that the Policy will be able to assist, even if symptoms are mild.
As is the case with all claims, we will require medical evidence to confirm the diagnosis. Claims for COVID-19 will require a copy of positive test results. This documentation can be obtained from the doctor/clinic/hospital that conducted the test(s).
Claims should be submitted via email or fax
Please note: all claims are subject to a waiting period of typically 14 or 30 days where no benefits are payable.
If a member is unsure if a claim will be covered, we suggest submitting a claim for consideration. Our focus is always to assist where we can.
To protect our staff, we ask that where possible, all claims be submitted to our office via email to info@atcis.com.au or fax to 03 9867 5540. Please do not advise workers to attend the ATC or Protect office to drop off paperwork or post paperwork if they have, or suspect they may have, COVID-19.
The policy applies to those who are sick or injured
Income protection covers instances where a member can’t work because they’re sick or injured. If you are shutting down, or reducing your hours, the Policy is unfortunately unable to assist workers because in these circumstances they're not sick or injured.
No - but service continues
Even though new Government measures to control the spread of Coronavirus require us to close our office, Protect staff are working remotely and our services continue.
Free confidential counselling 1300 725 881
During this time of concern for health, employment and finances, employer and worker members are reminded that you have access to Protect's independent free counselling service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Face to face sessions have ceased for the time being however phone and online services are running.
Employers please note
In December 2019 Protect received a Tax Office ruling that has enabled us to remove the requirement to have both termination (TER) and genuine redundancy (GRA) account types. We now have just one account type and pay severance claims to workers based on the event which caused their employment to terminate. Members are not required to do anything different to take advantage of this change. Please direct any queries you may have to our Member Services Team on 1300 344 249.
Making severance contributions to Protect assures workers that their entitlements are protected should their job be made redundant. This provides a major benefit to employers by encouraging a secure and productive work environment. Contributing to Protect not only allows you to manage your legal and industrial worker redundancy obligations, but also provides tax advantages and steady cash flow management.
How much severance am I required to contribute on behalf of my employees?
The amount of severance each employer is required to contribute is determined by an industrial agreement.
For the electrical industry, National Electrical Communications Association can advise the contribution amounts you should be paying to us on behalf of your employees.
Contact the NECA office in your State:
- Victoria: 03 9645 5533
- Tasmania: 03 6236 3600
- South Australia: 08 8272 2966
- Western Australia: 08 6241 6100
Employers in other industries should contact our Employer Relations Officer or the Member Services Team on 1300 344 249 for assistance.
How often do I need to make severance contributions?
Contributions are payable monthly in arrears. Payments are due on the first day of the following month, and must be paid by the 14th day of that month (for example, the November contribution is due on 1 December and payable by 14 December).
How do I manage and pay my severance contributions?
Contribution returns are managed online through your secure Protect account, accessible at the orange 'employer login' button at the top of each page of this website. Easily keep track of your contributions to ensure that you are up to date.
How do I ensure my workers can access their severance account as quickly as possible?
Providing employees with an appropriately completed Centrelink Employment Separation Certificate on termination will assist us in processing members’ severance claim in a timely manner. Alternately, terminations and redundancies can also be confirmed via your online employer account.
Further resources:
Download the severance & redundancy account brochure for further information.
Protect administers Australia's best personal income protection insurance cover for ATC Insurance Solutions. We cover workers across a range of industries in the event of non-work related serious injury or illness. The cover is global, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Having your employees covered reduces the pressure on employers to provide leave in advance, or other financial assistance, to employees during times of non-work related illness and injury. Also eliminating requirements to pay out employees’ sick leave balances beyond the normal policy waiting period.
Our extensive list of benefits ensures the best support for worker recovery, providing your employees with the confidence of cover and the security to recover, so they can focus on the job. Insurance claims are assessed and processed in a swift manner to ensure your team is well looked after throughout any difficult periods.
In addition to competitive rates, we also offer the ability to extend cover to include directors and administrative staff not employed under a certified industrial agreement.
Arrange a site visit by our Field Officers to brief you and your team on the benefits of our income protection insurance by calling the Member Services Team on 1300 344 249.
Protect provides great financial security and peace of mind for your employees and helps employers to retain key staff. You know if you have an injured employee who is off work long-term and covered by Protect, you are not going to lose that employee. When they are fit, they will return to work because Protect has seen them through.
Gavin McKay
Managing Director, Gordon McKay Pty Ltd
What happens if one of my workers gets sick or injured?
If one of your employees becomes sick or injured while a Protect worker member, they may be eligible to make an income protection insurance claim. Importantly, they do not have to exhaust all of their leave entitlements before accessing their Protect insurance.
Claim forms:
- Injury & Sickness Claim Form
- Accidental Dental Injury Claim Form
- Accidental Death Claim Form
- Funeral Benefit Claim Form
A section of the Injury & Sickness Claim Form must be completed by the employer and includes information on the employment and earning status of your worker.
Protect Field Officers can assist with any queries relating to submitting an insurance claim. Please advise your worker to make contact as soon as possible. Family or support persons are also welcome to call our Field Officers directly or via our Member Services Team on 1300 344 249.
Once a claim has been submitted and accepted by the insurer, your worker will be provided a case manager that will step them through the process and coverage, including potential for additional benefits such as lump sum payments, emergency home help and domestic duties assistance.
Further resources:
- Electrical Industry
Standard Injury & Illness Cover - Fire Rescue Industry
Firefighters Injury & Illness Cover - Maritime Industry
Stevedoring Injury & Illness Cover
Seafarers Injury & Illness Cover
MUA Staff Officers & Officials - Manufacturing
AMWU Injury Cover
For a copy of the Protect Injury and Sickness Wording and Product Disclosure Statement please contact ATC Insurance Solutions.
Protect’s free counselling service, available to all employees currently receiving severance or income protection contributions, provides your employees many of the benefits of an employer funded Employee Assistance Program at no cost to your organisation.
All Protect members - employers, workers and their immediate family - are eligible for the free confidential service.
Dedicated counselling phone number: 1300 725 881
Improved mental health leads to good organisational wellbeing and increased business performance. When people are well, they’re able to develop their potential, work productively, build positive relationships with others, cope with the normal stresses of life, and make a meaningful contribution. Employee wellbeing can help to reverse burnout and reduce stress, turnover, and absenteeism.
Members may access the service for personal or work-related concerns. It operates Australia wide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a team of professionals independent of Protect. Delivered by Hunterlink - a major Australian provider of personal support programs for workplaces - via a free phone service. Free face-to-face sessions at an independent location are also available, as well as on-site counselling services in response to emergency situations and critical incidents.
Additionally, members may access the Protect Hunterlink online counselling portal which houses newsletters, printable resources and factsheets on relatable topics such as:
- Workplace Change
- Family and Relationships
- Mental Health
- Social Isolation
- Workplace conflict
Password: protect
Please note - the portal is part of Protect's overall counselling services offering however, we strongly encourage those in need to call 1300 725 881 (free call) as first priority.
Protect Counselling is a service for individuals seeking support, as well as for employers and workers wanting advice on the best method to assist colleagues dealing with a range of concerns.
How do I access Protect Counselling?
Call Protect Counselling on 1300 725 881 (free call) for immediate access to our independent counselling service.
How much will it cost?
Nothing. Protect Counselling services are free of charge to all Protect employers, workers and their immediate family members.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No medical referral is necessary.
Will I remain anonymous?
Protect Counselling services are strictly confidential, with no requirement to identify yourself when calling. As such, no other individual needs to be aware of your use of the service.
What can I expect when I call?
An immediate response from a highly trained team of independent professionals. A Critical Incident Response can also be organised where required for situations including workplace trauma, road trauma, life-threatening situations etc.
Can I meet a counsellor near me?
Yes, Protect Counselling has access to more than 170 qualified professionals throughout Australia, including regional centres. Both male and female counsellors are available.
Can my family use this service?
Yes. The Protect Counselling professionals offer coaching, advice and support for you and your immediate family.
How do I recognise a depressed or anxious person?
People experiencing anxiety or depression will find it difficult to function. You may notice that they appear lost, irritable, miserable, and/or withdrawing from family and friends.
Further resources:
Severance
DownloadIncome Protection
Log in to the employer portal
Use the orange 'employer login' button at the top of each page of this website to securely access your online account. This area is for administering your account, adding eligible employees as Protect worker members and submitting contributions. The employer portal also allows for printing of payment receipts, your certificate of currency and tax invoices.
For account assistance please call the Member Services Team on 1300 344 249.
1,200+ participating employer members
Protect employers make severance payments and/or income protection premiums to us on behalf of employees in accordance with an industrial agreement. Offering these benefits encourages a secure and productive work environment.
Protect provides employees with peace of mind. The reality is that a protected workforce is a more productive workforce. Joining Protect boosts employee recruitment and retention efforts.
Peter Smith
Protect employer representative
For further support contact
Protect member services team
1300 344 249
info@protect.net.au
Employer Relations Manager
Joyce Simitzis
0458 028 326
joyce@protect.net.au
Industrial Compliance Coordinator
Glenn Janes
0419 556 571
gjanes@protect.net.au
Testimonials
Protect were really sympathetic. They even called me just to see how I was, how my family and friends were coping and how legal proceeding were going. They were genuinely interested and really helpful.
Protect allowed me time to concentrate on recovery. My case manager was extremely helpful. All I had to provide was a doctors certificate to get the ball rolling, then everything was processed very quickly.
Income protection insurance takes the stress out of everything, if you don’t have to worry about money you can concentrate on getting better. Because we’ve all got bills to pay.
Just wanted to say thank you for all your help over the last few months and allowing me to put a roof over my family’s head and food on the table. It has been a stressful time, but I am very glad to get back to work.
It's not an easy path dealing with injury or illness. With Protect, you actually get given a case manager, so they help you the whole journey, instead of you just bluffing your way along.
I just wanted to thank you very much for all your help, you made this process stress free and easy. Thanks a lot.
It says a lot for Protect that you have a whole team that are there for the workers, that have members interests at heart.
Having our severance balance secured with Protect means our benefits can't be used as a bargaining chip in workplace negotiations.
Protect is reassurance. Although your working life has come to a halt, you can still manage to pay your bills. I've used my income protection a few times over many many years and every single time it's been fantastic.
I've tried to get income protection privately and couldn't get covered, firefighters have just too high a risk a job, so to have Protect cover is absolutely invaluable. I used that instead of chewing through my leave.
I’m 100% behind Protect. They met with my wife when I was in hospital and organised everything. We would like to thank you for all your help through a hugely stressful time.
I wish to thank you for having the scheme and giving me peace of mind during my employment with Metro Trains.
Protect income protection insurance is the best thing to happen to the fire industry for many years. My experience accessing it was fantastic and the follow up was also extremely welcome. I was very impressed.
This level of income protection for firefighters simply wouldn’t be possible if you were attempting to negotiate a policy one out. Sticking together to negotiate certainly increases your bargaining power.
Every Protect staff member I’ve dealt with have been super efficient, polite and helpful from start to finish. Personally, I can’t have wished for kinder and quicker treatment... you’re the best!
When the company went into liquidation, I was so lucky to have my Protect account, it was honestly a lifesaver. It gave me the ability to take a breather and plan for where I wanted to head in the future.
Our Protect cover is one of the greatest things the UFU have done for us. It's security for not only us but our families as well. It gave me the opportunity to focus on rehab and get back on the truck as quickly as possible.
Protect looked after me like gold, helped me with my paperwork and even when I was back at work, they still rang to see how I was going. Not many people do that.
Income protection payments with Protect cover you for two years. When something like this (injury) turns your life upside down, the best thing you can do is make sure you’ve got good cover like Protect.
I would like to thank Protect for going above and beyond the call of duty, to make the seamless transition through what is a stressful time, back rehabilitated 100% and into the workforce, on full duties.
Protect's severance account is so important because our industry is insecure. When we’re out of work it gives us that time to get into another job without having to worry about bills.
We couldn't do our role unless we were 100% fit, you'd be putting your crew at risk. My claim was reviewed, accepted and taken care of in a few days, it was all really seamless and comforting in the end.
I found Protect was easy to use. They were helpful, understanding and I didn’t feel rushed. This stopped me stressing and allowed me to focus on my recovery and getting back to work.
