New resources arrive ahead of implementation of new rules on August 26
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has published new resources for the upcoming changes to casual employment laws ahead of their implementation on August 26.
In a media release, the FWC said it updated its website to reflect the coming changes, as well as uploaded a new fact sheet on casual employment laws.
These changes are part of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Act 2024, which received Royal Assent in February.
Under the legislation, the words "casual employees" get a new definition, where a worker can only be considered casual if:
- There is no firm advance commitment to continuing and indefinite work
- They are entitled to a casual loading or a specific rate of pay for casuals under a Fair Work instrument or their employment contract
The law also introduces a new pathway for casual employees to gain full-time or part-time (permanent) employment.
These changes to casual employment laws are just one aspect of the upcoming reforms set to take effect on August 26 under the second Closing Loopholes legislation.
Also taking effect on August 26 are the Right to Disconnect rule for most workplaces, provisions for "employee-like workers," collective agreements and workplace delegates rights for regulated workers, among others.
"On The Closing Loopholes Acts – what's changing page on our website you'll find what's changing and when, as well as links to News and updates with more details about available information and resources," the FWC said in a media release.
The commission also released last week new resources on unfair deactivation and termination for regulated workers.
