What are the National Employment Standards?
The 10 National Employment Standards are the new legislated minimum standards which form the basis of the ‘safety net’ for employees. These new Standards will commence operation on 1 January 2010 and replace the current ‘Fair Pay and Conditions Standard’. The 10 Standards are as follows: • Ordinary Hours set at a maximum of 38 per week • Employees given the right to request flexible working in certain circumstances • Most employees to be eligible to apply for up to 24 months of unpaid leave in relation to the birth or adoption of a child • Most employees to be entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks annual leave per year. Shift workers to be entitled to 5 weeks per year.
