INSIGHTS

Changes to the Fair Work Act

The Fair Work Act 2009 has recently been amended to change workplace rights and obligations for casual employees. The changes were made by the Fair Work Amendment Act 2021 and came into effect on 27th March 2021.

These amendments update the definition of casual employment and provide guidelines for moving casual employees to permanent employment. In addition, the amendments introduce requirements for all Employers to provide a Casual Employment Information Statement.

Employers are required to give every new casual employee a Casual Employment Information Statement (CEIS) before, or as soon as possible after, they start their new job.

Small business employers need to give their existing casual employees a copy of the CEIS as soon as possible after 27 March 2021. A small business employer is defined as an employer with fewer than 15 employees at a given time. When counting the number of employees, employees of associated entities of the employer are included. Casual employees are not included unless engaged on a regular and systematic basis. All other employers must give their existing casual employees a copy of the CEIS as soon as possible after 27 September 2021.

More information is available at the Welcome to the Fair Work Ombudsman website Alternatively, please contact your Advisor at 360Private for assistance.