Frequently asked questions
About the scheme
What is QLeave?
QLeave administers the portable long service leave scheme for workers in Queensland’s contract cleaning industry. Our scheme rewards you for your service to the industry by making sure you receive long service leave benefits, even if you change employers or work interstate.
Who is supposed to add service, me or my employer?
Your employer is required to add service to your QLeave record. You can check your service record online at any time. We'll also send you a long service leave statement each year that shows you the work that was recorded for you between 1 July and 30 June.
Please check this carefully to make sure we have a record of all the work you’ve performed.
Is long service leave similar to superannuation?
QLeave isn't a superannuation scheme. It's a long service leave scheme that provides benefits to you based on the time you've worked in the industry rather than service to an individual employer.
For example, once you reach 10 years' service, you will be eligible to claim long service leave from QLeave.
Long service leave is a form of salary payment during the normal course of a worker's employment.
I've been working for my employer for 10 years or more. Does my employer have to pay my long service leave payment or do I make a claim to QLeave?
The portable long service leave scheme does not replace your employer’s obligations under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (the Act) to pay your long service leave entitlement. If your employer has an obligation under that Act, they need to pay your entitlement. However, they may be able to claim a partial reimbursement from QLeave.
Joining QLeave
Who is eligible?
Eligible workers include cleaners and supervisors (who perform cleaning and supervision work) in Queensland and who are engaged:
- as a trainee
- as a casual, part-time or full-time employee
- as a sole trader subcontractor
- by a labour hire company.
Who is not eligible?
Some workers performing contract cleaning work are not eligible to join QLeave.
These include:
- people operating as a partner in a partnership
- trustees of a trust
- company directors
- federal, state and local government workers
- individuals for whom a personal services business determination is in effect for the individual performing the work under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cwlth), Section 87-60.
Other workers in the contract cleaning industry that are not eligible to join QLeave are:
- professional and managerial staff
- clerical staff.
How do I register?
Your employer will register you with QLeave when they complete their quarterly employer return.
How much does it cost?
There's no cost for workers to register with QLeave.
My registration
What information will QLeave keep about me?
Under the Contract Cleaning Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Act 2005, we must keep a record of:
- your name, date of birth and address
- your mobile phone number
- your email address
- the number of days you've worked with each employer
- the total ordinary wages paid to you
- the date on which you became a registered worker in the Scheme
- your long service leave entitlement.
How do I check my service record?
You can log in to the contract cleaning worker portal to check your record and update your details. Your record will only change after your employer lodges their return each quarter.
How do I log in to the worker portal?
Registering to use the worker portal is simple. All you need to provide is your QLeave worker number, surname and date of birth. You'll receive your worker number in an email from us once you've been registered with the scheme. After you register for portal access, you'll be able to use your email address and password to log in at any time. Click here for instructions to register for the worker portal.
What do I do if I change employers?
If you change employers you will need to give your QLeave number to your new employer.
How long will my QLeave registration last?
Your registration will continue as long as you're employed in the contract cleaning industry and performing eligible work. If you have no service recorded for more than four consecutive years, your QLeave registration will be cancelled.
What are service credits and how many can I earn?
One service credit equals one day worked. The total number of service credits that you may earn in any financial year is 365, irrespective of the number of employers you have. Each credit goes towards your QLeave record and determines your entitlement for portable long service leave.
My employer hasn't recorded my service - what do I do?
If you notice service is missing from your record, please contact your employer/s and ask them to supply us with the correct details. If you’re unable to contact the employer or they refuse to add service for you, you can lodge a complaint with QLeave. Find out more.
What happens if I leave the industry and then return?
If you make a leaving the industry claim when you stop work in the contract cleaning industry, you'll need to start a new registration when you return to the industry.
If you don't make a leaving the industry claim, and return to the industry within four years, you'll be able to keep adding service credits to the same registration. However, if your registration is inactive for four years it will be cancelled. In this case you will need to apply for a new registration and start earning service credits from scratch. We'll contact you if your registration is at risk of cancellation.
About your claim
How much will I be paid when I take long service leave?
The portable long service leave scheme operates on a pooled fund basis. The scheme is funded by employers making a combined payment based on the wages they paid during each quarter. QLeave invests these funds and pays your long service leave from this pool when you reach an entitlement.
There's no set dollar amount for long service leave payments. We calculate the payment amount when you lodge your claim.
When can I make a claim?
You need to have 10 years of service recorded with QLeave before you're entitled to long service leave under the legislation. You may be able to make a claim earlier if you're permanently leaving the industry and have accrued 2,555 service credits or more.
How can I make a claim?
You can claim your long service leave online by logging in to the portal. Alternatively, you can contact us if you would like a manual claim form sent to you. Find out more.
