"This decision cements a worrying trend for employers who try to do the right thing in offering periods of flexibility for staff. It's common for employers to offer work from home arrangements on an interim basis, including on a trial basis or to support staff on parental leave in returning to the office full-time. These interim WFH periods are increasingly becoming a trap for employers."
"This decision puts all employers on notice that they will need to have genuine business reasons to refuse a flexible working arrangement request; employers will also need to demonstrate that they have met all their obligations under the Fair Work Act before any refusal,"
Karlene Chandler won the right to work from her Wilton residence after contesting Westpac at the Fair Work Commission, citing more than two hours' commute to the nearest offices. Chandler demonstrated over several years that she could work from home effectively and consistently meet mortgage team targets while on remote entitlements. Kingston Reid special counsel Jessica Tinsley warned that the decision could prompt employers to refuse initial or interim WFH requests to prevent workers proving capability and gaining leverage. The Finance Sector Union said employers will need genuine business reasons to refuse flexible requests and must meet Fair Work Act obligations.
Read at Yahoo Finance
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