What you need to know about portable long-service leave in the construction industry

In South Australia, employees in the building, electrical or metal trade industries who work on-site are entitled to portable long service leave. 

Portable long-service leave means employees don’t need to work with the same employer for 10 years to be eligible for long-service leave. 

For employers, this means that eligible workers are required to register with Portable Long Service Leave, lodge employer returns and pay the prescribed levy. 

Portable Long Service Leave, the organisation managing the scheme, keep a record of your employee’s accrued service and pay them directly with they become entitled to long service leave, at no additional cost to the employer.

This scheme was implemented recognising the non-traditional nature of the industry. It exists because the construction industry is mostly project-based, meaning workers frequently move from project to project and employer to employer. 

To be covered by the scheme, registration is compulsory for individuals, partnerships, companies or trusts employing workers who are:

• Full-time, part-time, or casually for at least 3 days in any month each of at least 5 hours
• At least half of their time on-site in any 3‑month period
• Performing building work or electrical or metal trades work defined in the Act
• Where one of the following awards prescribes a rate of pay for the kind of work performed

There are things about the scheme that business owners should understand. Although beneficial for employees helping to provide a fluid and efficient market for labour and skills, it does come with additional costs and administration, as well as additional commitments on cash flow. 

To find out more about portable long-service leave visit portable​leave​.org​.au