Flexibility schedule for Clerks Award extended to June 2021

Operation of Schedule I has been extended from 29 March 2021 to 30 June 2021

BY Georgia Neaverson 16 Jan 2021

In March 2020, in light of COVID-19, the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry filed a joint application, to insert a new schedule into the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020.

‘Schedule I-Award flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic’ increased the flexibility of:

remote working arrangements;
hours of work; and
annual leave

to support employers and employees through the impacts of COVID-19.

On 17 December 2020, following another joint application, operation was extended until 30 June 2021.

Further, clause I.2.1, which addressed ordinary hours of work for employees working from home, was replaced with a new clause. Pending agreement from their employer, this alteration will provide employees with greater flexibility when working remotely, to:

work in a non-continuous manner;
select starting and finishing times (for part-time employees); and
take meal breaks to suit personal circumstances.

Key Takeaways for HR

Schedule I of the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 was extended to 30 June 2021
A new clause was inserted to provide greater flexibility for remote working arrangements