What’s happened:
New legislation providing provisions for a clearer definition of casual employment in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) have come into effect from 27 March 2021. The Fair Work Commission (FWC) will now review and amend modern awards to ensure they are consistent and operate effectively within the amended Act.
What’s changed:
The legislation made four amendments:
Inserting a statutory definition of casual employment
Create a National Employment Standard (NES) entitlements for casuals to request conversion to permanent employment
Provide a mechanism for setting off casual loading against claims for paid NES entitlements
Make provision for resolution of disputes, transitional arrangements, and the issuing of a Casual Employee Information (CEI) Statement to casuals
The six awards are that are being reviewed first are:
General Retail Industry Award 2020
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020