ARTICLE · 19 SEPTEMBER 2020

FWC Proposed award flexibility schedule: COVID-19 impact on flexibility

People + Culture Strategies

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The accompanying statement attempts to clarify flexible working arrangements to assist both employers and employees.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

The FWC proposed award flexibility schedule which has been released accompanied by a statement from Fair Work Commission President Ross attempts to provide clarity on flexible working arrangements to assist both employers and employees adapt to "the new normal" which is likely to include significant remote work in some industries.

With the Covid-19 "Schedule X" due to expire in many modern awards on 30 September 2020, and other Award specific Covid-19 schedules also expiring by the end of October, the Commission has turned its mind to the ongoing effects of the pandemic on business needs and the way in which it is likely businesses will be forced to operate.

President Ross' statement noted that only about 20% of workers were covered by enterprise agreements dealing with home-based work, that relatively few small businesses are covered by enterprise agreements and most modern awards do not expressly provide for nor deal with issues relating to working from

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