Modern Award Updates

The Australian Government has today announced the significant changes made to Modern Awards in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Firstly, if you are an employer or employee covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2010, the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010, or the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2010, then these changes mean:

• An increased ability to vary employees' duties to accommodate new operational requirements

• Changed flexibility terms to allow working from home arrangements, where this may have been previously unlawful under some Modern Awards

Secondly, across 103 Modern Awards (including those above), the Government has also announced:

• Access to 2 weeks unpaid pandemic leave

• The ability to access accrued annual leave at half the rate of pay for double the length of time

These measures impact over 2 million workers, and ensure that employers and employees have the flexibility needed to protect their livelihoods during this time.

To check your Modern Award, visit the Fair Work Commission's website at www.fwc.gov.au. For information on pay, conditions and entitlements, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman's website at www.fwo.gov.au.