The Fair Work Commission has extended and changed Schedule I in the Clerks – Private Sector Award. Schedule I was implemented to provide award flexibility during the impact of COVID-19 and has now been updated and extended until 30 September 2020.

Schedule I was originally inserted into the Award on 28 March 2020 and was to cease operation on 30 June 2020.

The updated Schedule I applies from 1 July 2020 until 30 September 2020 and includes the following changes:

• Conditions have been added to giving employees directions under Schedule I;
• Removal of an employer’s ability to direct employees to perform different duties;
• Removal of the reduced minimum engagement / pay periods for casual and part-time employees;
• Provision for extra safeguards arounds requests to take annual leave; and
• Removal of close-down provisions.

Employers now more than ever, should review awards relevant to their business and keep track of award changes and the expiry dates and/or variations of temporary flexibilities currently available under many awards.

To stay on top of the many changes and current flexibilities available under their awards, Aitken Legal recommend employers review their relevant Award on the Fair Work Commission’s website or seek advice from one of our experienced employment lawyers to assist during these challenging times.