The Right to Disconnect: Did you know new laws have been introduced which prevent employers contacting employees outside of work hours?
The Fair Work Amendment (Right to Disconnect) Bill 2023 amends the Fair Work Act 2009 and has been passed.
This means that in six (6) months time, Employers are no longer allowed to contact employees or require employees to monitor their emails and telephone outside of regular work hours. There are exceptions to this rule such as reasonable out of hours communication including emergencies and welfare concerns or where the employee is receiving an availability allowance.
These changes come after concerns employees are expected to work outside of office hours especially with the recent growth in remote work and technology. This shift aims to better promote a ‘work life balance’.
To find out more about how these changes might impact your business’ employment policies and employment agreements, or if you have concerns about your rights as an employee, please contact our Employment Law team on (02) 4929 2000 or email us at office@jenkinslegal.com.au
This article is not legal advice and the views and comments are of a general nature only. This article is not to be relied upon in substitution for detailed legal advice.