ARTICLE · 03 FEBRUARY 2023

Employers urged to ask "why not" in requests for work flexibility

Clifford Gouldson Lawyers

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New rules relating to requests for flexible work arrangements will impose stricter requirements on employers.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

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As the Australian Labor Party's 'Secure Jobs, Better Pay' Act comes into effect, the rules relating to requests for flexible work arrangements (FWAs) will be amended to impose new, stricter, requirements on employers and allow for greater scope in employees affected by family and domestic violence to make such requests.

The greater scope will allow for employees who have a member of their immediate family or household experiencing 'family and domestic' violence, to also raise requests for FWAs. A recent decision in the Fair Work Commission has highlighted the need for employers to pay closer attention in their reasons for rejecting requests for FWAs.

Ms Natasha Fyfe v Ambulance

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