Unions call for reinstatement of JobKeeper during Victoria's snap lockdown

Unions have called for a reinstatement of JobKeeper payments in Victoria during the lockdown.

This week will be Victoria's first lockdown without JobKeeper, and the longest nationally without that government financial support.

ACTU President Michele O'Neil placed the blame for the lockdown squarely on the Morrison government.

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"People will lose work during this lockdown thanks to the Federal Government's decision to completely end JobKeeper early," she said.

"The Morrison Government must re-instate JobKeeper where it is still needed.

"While the vaccine rollout continues to flounder there will be thousands of businesses and millions of workers who continue to need support."

The federal government-funded program to support businesses and employees expired in late March.

And many Victorians working in fields like hospitality are facing the prospect of a week without pay.

EXPLAINED: What you can and can't do for the next week in Victoria

In announcing the lockdown this morning, Acting Premier James Merlino was noncommittal on financial support for those without work.

"We know for many businesses and for events that have to be called off for this period of the circuit breaker lockdown, we know this is very, very difficult.

"We'll provide additional support and I'll have more to say about that."

Mr Merlino was pushed for more information during the press conference.

"We'll work through what support can be provided and we'll work through that and I'll have more to say in coming days," he said.

The snap lockdown will last until June 3.

Will the lockdown mean a week without pay for you? Email us and let us know.

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