ARTICLE · 02 FEBRUARY 2010

New Employer obligations - flexible working arrangements

Norton Rose Fulbright Australia

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With the commencement of the National Employment Standards (NES) on 1 January 2010 it is critical that employers understand their obligations when it comes to employee requests for flexible working arrangements.

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Introduction

With the commencement of the National Employment Standards (NES) on 1 January 2010 it is critical that employers understand their obligations when it comes to employee requests for flexible working arrangements.

The new provisions not only create a legal right for employees to request flexible working arrangements, but potentially increase the risk of carer related discrimination claims where flexible working arrangement requests are refused by employers without proper consideration.

This bulletin provides employers with practical steps to respond to employee requests for flexible working arrangements.

Flexible working arrangements

An employee has a right to request flexible working arrangements where the employee:

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