The Fair Work Act 2009 sets out 10 minimum conditions of employment. These National Employment Standards (NES) were effective as of 1 January 2010 and will replace the existing Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard. Together with modern awards, the NES will constitute the government’s new employment safety net.

The 10 matters covered by the NES are:

  • Maximum weekly hours of work
  • Requests for flexible working arrangements
  • Parental Leave
  • Annual Leave
  • Personal / carer’s and compassionate leave
  • Community service leave
  • Long service leave
  • Public Holidays
  • Notice of Termination and Redundancy Pay
  • A Fair Work information statement

These new standards can make quite a substantial difference in your rights and responsibilities as either an employer or employee. Therefore it is important that you are aware of the affect these changes will have on you.

Some changes include maximum 38 hours per week for full-time employees as well as changes to annual and long service leave calculations.

To find out more about how the NES affects you and your workplace please contact The Quinn Group on 1300 QUINNS (784 667) or submit an online enquiry.