Reasonable hours of work
The Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 contains provisions relating to reasonable hours of work
The Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 provides that employees are not to be required or requested to work more than 38 hours a week, and reasonable additional hours of work.
Factors taken into account when determining whether additional hours of work are reasonable include (but are not limited to):
- occupational health and safety risks to employees;
- an employee’s personal circumstances (including family responsibilities);
- the conduct of the business;
- any notice given by the employer of a requirement or request for employees to work additional hours and any notice given by employees of their intention to refuse to work additional hours;
- whether the additional hours are on a public holiday; and
- an employee’s hours of work in the preceding four week period.
Employees engaged under an award or agreement cannot be required or requested by an employer to work more than the ordinary hours of work specified, plus reasonable additional hours of work.
For further information about reasonable hours of work provisions call Wageline on 1300 655 266.
