Under 7 years: the Act pays no long service leave, even on redundancy (s 10(2)).
From 7 to under 10 years: you are paid 1.3 weeks for each completed year of service (s 10(2)). At 7 years that is 9.10 weeks, at 8 years 10.40 weeks and at 9 years 11.70 weeks.
10 years or more: you are paid your whole long service leave credit, 1.3 weeks for each completed year less leave taken (s 10(1), s 8(1), s 8(8)).
Only completed years count (nt.gov.au). If your redundancy takes effect shortly before a work anniversary, the part year is not paid.
The amount is worked out year by year. For each completed year, your rate of pay on the day before your job ends is multiplied by your weekly hours in that year and by 1.3, then the years are added up (s 11(2)-(3)). Overtime, penalty rates, district, site and climatic allowances are left out (s 11(1)).
If the business is transferred and you move with it, your service is not broken and counts with the new employer (s 12(8)-(9)). A stand-down for slackness of trade also does not break your service (s 12(4)(c)), although unpaid time away does not count (s 12(5)).
Payment is due as soon as practicable after your job ends (s 11(7)).
Common questions
Do I get long service leave if I am made redundant after 7 years in the NT?
Yes. You are paid 1.3 weeks for each completed year (s 10(2)).
Is NT long service leave on redundancy based on my current pay?
It uses your rate of pay on the day before your job ends, but your weekly hours in each year of service (s 11(2)-(3)).
When must my employer pay?
As soon as practicable after your employment ends (s 11(7)).
Official sources
- Long Service Leave Act 1981 (NT)Northern Territory Government - NT Legislation
- Long Service Leave Act 1981 - legislation pageNorthern Territory Government - NT Legislation
- Act History - Long Service Leave Act 1981Northern Territory Government - NT Legislation
Rules last reviewed 3 November 2026.