Clerks – Private Sector Award – Work from home case

In a decision dated 6 October 2020 ([2020] FWCFB 5199) a Full Bench of the Commission in matter AM2020/95 granted an application by the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to extend the operation of Schedule I – Award flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020.

In this decision, the Commission noted there is a need to consider if it is necessary to vary the Clerks Award to provide more enduring means of facilitating agreed working from home arrangements.

The Commission also proposed conducting a survey of employers to address an evidentiary gap regarding the incidence of working from home arrangements amongst employees covered by the Clerks Award and the extent to which the flexibility provided by Schedule I has been utilised. 

This matter (AM2020/98) deals with further variations to the Clerks Award in relation to flexible work.

A related application (AM2020/105) has been made by the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce.

Please direct any enquiries to awards@fwc.gov.au.