HR Unplugged

NEWS

COVID-19: FAIR WORK VARIES THREE AWARDS FOR FLEXIBILITY

 
 
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In the first Award changes as a result of COVID-19, the Fair Work Commission has varied three specific Awards by determination to allow employers more flexibility in how they engage their workforce:

• Clerks Award • Restaurant Award • Hospitality Award

Note: all changes are temporary, until 30th June 2020, unless extended. Read on.

 
 
 

Hospitality
Award

The key pieces of these variations are listed below, effective the first full pay period after 24th March (until 30 June):

  • Classification - allows employers to direct employees to undertake other tasks (there are caveats around pay rates)

  • Hours of work – changes for permanent employees (both full-time and part-time)

  • Annual leave directives - 24 hrs notice, and close-down provisions.

Clerks
Award

The key pieces of these variations are listed below, effective the first full pay period after 28th March (until 30 June):

  • Classification - allows employers to direct employees to undertake other tasks (with pay rate caveats)

  • Minimum engagement – from 3 hrs to 2 hrs if working from home but only for some types of employees

  • Span of hours – changes for those working from home

  • Hours of work – changes for permanent employees (both full-time and part-time) via a majority vote

  • Annual leave directives with 1 weeks’ notice, and close-down provisions.

Restaurant
Award

The key pieces of these variations are listed below, effective the first full pay period after 31st March (until 30 June):

  • Classification - allows employers to direct employees to undertake other tasks (with some pay rate caveats)

  • Hours of work – changes for permanent employees (both full-time and part-time)

  • Annual leave directives - 24 hrs notice, and close-down provisions.

Remember: as per HR Unplugged’s previous News and Blogs, you must consult with your employees (and any Unions) on reduction of hours, and as best practice, temporary change in classifications.

Whilst the changes outlined are welcome for employers, they contain specific criteria and rules for application and implementation. And … these criteria are not the same across all of the three Awards that have been varied.

We strongly encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your situation, and the different scenarios you may be facing.

Some sound, practical advice from us, can save you a lot of heartache (and money) in the future.
You may also wish to check out our specific COVID-19 Business Assistance Package here.

 
 
 
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