Ooh Media staff to take leave over Easter as business deals with financial implications of coronavirus outbreak
Ooh Media has asked the majority of its staff to stand down over Easter and use accrued annual leave. The move will include the CEO and other executives.
The decision comes as the business issued a trading halt earlier today while it considers financial options for dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Ooh Media staff will stand down over Easter and use accrued leave
An Ooh Media spokesperson confirmed the “unusual” news to Mumbrella and said staff would still be paid over the time.
“As part of our cost control measures, which are normal during these unprecedented times, we have asked all employees to take their accrued annual leave over Easter – this includes the CEO and other executives,” said the spokesperson.
“We’ve tried to work this in with school holidays to minimise the disruption and align to when many people already have leave planned.”
The spokesperson advised staff needed for critical operations during this time, such as IT and installers, would still work and that these discussions are underway.
“No-one is being forced to take unpaid leave, and if some people slip into negative leave, they will still be paid. There are no salary cuts either,” said the spokesperson.
“While this is an unusual decision for us and many businesses, it reflects how we are quickly adapting to circumstances and managing the business appropriately. Our people are responding magnificently, and we are very proud of how they are coming together to support the business as mature adults and professionals.”
A number of businesses have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, with Qantas announcing CEO Alan Joyce and other executives would take pay cuts or not receive salary in a bid to keep the business operational, although 20,000 staff have also been stood down.
Other companies have removed their financial guidance for the next round of reporting, including Nine.
Taking extra annual leave over Easter, not really a headline. It’s no different from any other company in our industry or across all business. Tough times coming, its everyone responsibility to try and keep businesses in business. #takeyaleave
User ID not verified.