ACT Labor backbencher Bec Cody is calling on her own party to expand the portable long service leave scheme to include hairdressers and other trades.

The member for Murrumbidgee and former hairdresser says an expansion of the long service leave scheme will be a win for many Canberra families and will allow them to keep their entitlements as they move between employers.

“Today I’m calling on the ACT government to recognise that hairdressers have skills that are transferable across businesses in Canberra and that they deserve to have the same entitlements under the portable long service scheme that tradespeople in other industries have,” Ms Cody says.

“Hairdressers often don’t stay with one employer for long enough to qualify for long service leave and without access to the portable long service leave scheme, many are missing out on basic rights as full time employees.

“The government already recognises building and construction, contract cleaning, community services and security as transient industries covered under the portable long service leave scheme.

“It is important we provide the same assurance and security to hairdressers who are highly skilled tradespeople that train for many years before becoming fully qualified.”