‘Work From Home’ Disputes Make up Less Than 1 Percent of Fair Work Caseload

Australia’s Fair Work Commission handles a very small number of “work from home” related disputes, making up less than 1% of their total caseload. This comes as the Greens Party proposes legislation that would grant workers the right to work from home, with employers only able to refuse if it’s impractical or impossible. Currently, only specific groups can request flexible work arrangements.

• Work from home issues represent a tiny volume of the Fair Work Commission’s caseload.
• A private bill has been introduced by Greens Senator Barbara Pocock to legislate the right to work from home.
• The proposed bill would allow workers up to two days a week remotely, with employer refusal only permitted if impractical or impossible.
• Currently, only Australians over 55 or carers can request flexible work.
• The Fair Work Commission received only 431 flexible work disputes last financial year out of 50,000 to 55,000 matters.