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ARTICLE · 26 JANUARY 2014

Consultation required for changes to regular rosters and ordinary hours of work

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Changing the staff roster is now a more complex process with the introduction of amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Swaab Author
Swaab Author
Ellen Davis
Ellen Davis
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IN BRIEF

As of 1 January 2014, changing the staff roster has become a more complex process with the introduction of amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009.

A NEW PROVISION

Roster flexibility can be key in ensuring business efficiency in the face of changing operational requirements, seasonal fluctuations and the occasional unforeseen circumstances that a business may experience. Recent amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 have now added an extra hurdle for small businesses when it comes to changing an employee's regular rostered hours or ordinary hours of work.

The new provision, section 145A of the Fair Work Act 2009, applies to all Modern Awards in operation on or immediately before 1 January 2014. The section now requires employers to consult with their employees about any change to their regular roster or ordinary hours of work.

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