Opera Australia (OA) today announced details of an employee support package designed to retain their workforce in the face of widespread layoffs across the arts and entertainment sectors following the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus.

Like so many Australian companies, OA is faced with a complete absence of ticketing revenue following the government’s closure of all performances in the coming months, in an effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. OA recognises that the health and well-being of its staff is essential in securing the Company’s future.

In direct response to the pandemic, effective from Monday 30 March, OA will be temporarily standing down the majority of its staff from across the Company until the end of May, offering a package that allows staff to access up to 80% of their regular salary (based on a 38 hour week).

The announcement will provide some certainty for OA’s staff amid an increasingly volatile environment.