18 October 2007

The Workplace Authority has introduced new Employer Declaration Forms for all agreements lodged with the Workplace Authority from 4 pm on 17 October 2007.

The changes to the Employer Declaration Forms relate to the Fairness Test and require detail regarding the exclusion or variation of protected award conditions and details of each classification under the agreement, including:

• The main tasks the employee/s will perform
• Whether they will be required to work over 38 hours per week (and if so, how many additional hours on average)
• Whether they will be required to work on weekends and/or public holidays

There will be a transitional period of three months - ending on 17 January 2008. During the transitional period, employers may use the new forms OR the forms that were introduced on 2 March of this year. The forms that were introduced in March of this year do not require the same amount of detail as they are pre-Fairness Test forms.

While the pre-Fairness Test Employer Declaration Forms may be easier for employers to complete, the new Employer Declaration Forms will assist the Workplace Authority in conducting the Fairness Test.

Finally, we remind you that all current employees must have received the Workplace Relations Fact Sheet by 20 October 2007. The ongoing obligation is that new employees receive the Fact Sheet within 7 days of commencing work.

If you require further information or assistance please contact: