Australian Navy brass have ordered a two-month shutdown over Christmas, and have told personnel with child-care problems that they can work at home.

All unit heads have also been ordered to allow personnel affected by the collapse of the ABC Learning child-care company more flexible working arrangements including working at home if necessary until they have found alternative care.

Australian military services, like most of the public service, relied on ABC Learning for child-care services for its workers. Hundreds of children of navy personnel are affected by the collapse of the child-care giant.

Local unit commanders were told that “following the announcement that ABC child care has gone into receivership”, they must be “understanding of this stressful situation as the new working year approaches”.

“Local commanders are to make every effort to negotiate flexible working arrangements that allow families to manage their commitments at home and at work until the situation is resolved,” the directive says.