The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 introduced significant limitations to the use of fixed term contracts. These changes took effect on 6 December 2023.  

The limitations impact:

• The length of a fixed term contract; 
• The number of times a fixed term contract can be renewed; and
• When a business can employ a person on consecutive contracts.

In most circumstances employers will not be able to engage an employee for more than 2 years, or renew a contract more than once. Whilst the provisions apply from 6 December 2023, contracts entered in to before 6 December will be relevant and will need to be considered to understand how the new rules apply. A breach of the new provisions can result in significant penalties and may lead to further litigation and arbitration.

If you have employees engaged on fixed term contracts or anticipate using fixed term contracts, make sure you understand how these new provisions will impact your business. Join our expert Workplace Relations and Wellbeing team at 9am on Wednesday 31 January 2024. During this one-hour virtual briefing, the team will:

• Summarise the limitations on using fixed term contracts;
• Outline the exceptions contained in the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022;
• Discuss the temporary relief afforded to some industries, as set out in the Fair Work Amendment (Fixed Term Contracts) Regulations 2023;
• Provide examples and case studies explaining how the limitations and exception apply; and
• Share tips and practical strategies to ensure your business doesn’t breach these new provisions.  

There will also be an opportunity to ask our experts questions.

If you are a HR practitioner, or have the responsibility for recruiting or administering employment contracts, this is not to be missed. Similarly, if you are a business owner, or manager responsible for a team, join this valuable session to ensure you understand the do's and dont's of fixed term contracting.