Published February 2023

As most employers would be aware, the Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) must be provided to every new employee before (or as soon as possible after) they commence employment.  There is also an additional Info Statement applicable to casual employees (Casual Employment Information Statement – CEIS).

This alert is to advise that the Fair Work Commission has released updated Information Statements which now include the new provisions for paid family and domestic violence leave (note that this leave is applicable to casuals, so it is also noted in the CEIS).

WHAT TO DO NOW

It is important for employers to ensure they are using the correct versions of the Information Statements and issuing them to all new employees.

The easiest and most practical way to do this is to provide a copy to each new employee with their commencement paperwork (which typically includes their employment contract, TFN declaration, super form, company policies etc).

ACCESSING THE INFO STATEMENTS

As the Information Statements are often updated, it is important for employers to avoid printing and keeping hard copies to provide to future employees.

We instead recommend that the Info Statements be accessed and printed as needed, to ensure the most up to date version is being issued to new employees. They can be found on the Fair Work Ombudsman website here.

It is also acceptable to provide a link to the applicable Information Statement/s via email if this is preferred.  

MORE INFO STATEMENTS COMING – DEC 2023

The IR reforms relating to fixed term employment will also see an additional Information Statement developed for use when these changes take effect in December 2023. Edwards HR will provide a further update when more information is available.

MORE INFO ABOUT PAID FDV LEAVE

The paid Family & Domestic Violence Leave Entitlements came in to effect from 1 February 2023. For small businesses (with fewer than 15 employees), these entitlements come into effect on 1 August 2023. To find out more about these new paid entitlements, please read our recent employment update here.

WHERE TO GET HELP

The introduction of Paid Family & Domestic Leave has already raised questions for many of our clients. If we can provide any support in understanding the entitlements or how they will work in practice, please contact the team at Edwards HR.