Australia's employment laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, the latest being “The Fair Work Legislation Closing Loopholes Part 2”. This Act aims to regulate, clarify and strengthen existing employment laws, providing greater protection for workers and addressing loopholes that may have exploited them.
Understanding the New Employment Laws
Let's delve into the key changes introduced by Fair Work’s Legislation Amendment, especially the laws impacting the engagement with employees, casuals, and contractors.
Please Note: This update is for general information purposes only and is not the provision of legal advice. Please consult a legal practitioner for advice on how these changes may affect your business.
Redefining Casual Employment
One of the most significant changes introduced by the Act is a new definition of casuals. Previously, the focus was primarily on the written contract, with casual employees being defined as those without a firm commitment to ongoing work. However, the new law considers the actual nature of the employment relationship—rather than just what the contract says.
Factors to consider when determining casual employment:
- Likelihood of future work: Is there a firm advance commitment from the employer to provide ongoing work
- Existence of permanent employees: Are there permanent employees performing similar tasks?
- Regular work pattern: Does the employee have a predictable regular work schedule/pattern?
- Take it on a case-by-case basis: Be aware that no one factor is determinative and it may affect your business with claims of unpaid entitlements and claims due to misclassification.
Casual Conversion Changes
The Act also introduces a new casual conversion mechanism. Previously employers were required to offer the change from casual to full-time or part-time employees after 12 months. Now casuals have the right to request conversion to permanent full-time or part-time employment after working for an employer after 6 months.
Employer response: Employers must respond to the request within 21 days, indicating whether they accept or decline the conversion and with many more requests this requires more training, administration and less flexibility for businesses.
Independent Contractor Changes
With changes to the definition of employment the determination of whether a worker is an employee or an Independent Contractor, the totality of the relationship needed to be reviewed.
Key considerations when determining employment relationships:
The parties now need to engage in the multifactorial assessment that reviews the written terms of the contract as well as how the work is performed in practice.
- True nature of the relationship: The focus is now on how the work is performed rather than solely on the written contract.
- Control and supervision: Factors such as who controls the work, provides tools and equipment and sets working hours are some of the factors to be considered.
This change aims to address situations where employees have been misclassified as independent contractors.
The Right to Disconnect
One of the most notable new rights introduced by the Act is the Right To Disconnect. This allows employees the right to not engage with work-related communications outside of their normal working hours unless it is unreasonable to do so.
Employer obligations: Employers must ensure that employees are not subjected to adverse action for exercising their right to disconnect.
Key considerations for employers:
The changes introduced by Closing Loopholes Part 2 have significant implications for employers. It is essential to review your employment practices and policies to ensure compliance with the new laws.
- Review employment contracts: Ensure that contracts accurately reflect the true nature of employment relationships.
- Review your Independent Contractor process: Ensure you use the Multifactorial Test to assess the relationship.
- Update policies and procedures: Develop policies and procedures related to casual conversion, the right to disconnect, and other relevant areas.
- Provide training: Educate managers and employees about the new laws and regulations and their implications.
- Seek legal advice: Consult with an employment lawyer to ensure compliance and address any specific questions or concerns.
Are you looking for more resources?
Fair Work Commission: The Fair Work Commission is the national workplace relations tribunal in Australia. They provide comprehensive information, resources, and guidance on Australian employment laws, including Closing Loopholes Part 2.
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