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Changes to SCHADS Award for Part-Time Employees

All employers working under the SCHADS Award will see changes for part-time employees beginning 1 July 2022. These updates introduce new minimum shift requirements and affect Social and Community Services workers as well as other employees covered by the award.

To remain compliant with Fair Work Australia, employers must review rosters, consult with staff, and implement changes in line with the updated standards.

👉 Learn more about the SCHADS Award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website (fairwork.gov.au in Bing)

Minimum Shift Requirements Under the SCHADS Award

The SCHADS Award minimum hours 2022 update introduces the following shift standards:

  • Social and Community Services workers (excluding disability services): Minimum of 3 hours per shift
  • All other employees under the award: Minimum of 2 hours per shift

Previously, part-time employees could work broken segments of less than 2 or 3 hours. However, these changes now establish a consistent baseline for shift lengths, improving clarity and fairness across the sector.

Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

To comply with the SCHADS Award minimum hours 2022, employers must:

  • Adjust employee schedules to meet the new minimum shift requirements
  • Genuinely consult with employees to agree on adjusted hours
  • Provide 42 days written notice if changes to hours cannot be mutually agreed upon

⚠️ Important: No changes can take effect before 1 July 2022.

Transition Period for Implementation

Recognising the scale of these changes, Fair Work has provided an 8-month transitional period from 1 February 2022 to 1 October 2022. This allows organisations time to restructure rosters, engage in consultation, and ensure full compliance.

How Assurance HR Management Can Help

At Assurance HR Management, we specialise in industrial relations and offer expert support to help employers navigate these changes. Our services include:

  • Adjustments to wages, conditions, and employment roles
  • Compliance with employee awards and agreements
  • Implementation and management of the new SCHADS Award requirements

📞 Contact our team (assurancehr.com.au in Bing) on 1800 577 515 for tailored guidance and support.

Upcoming SCHADS Award Updates

In addition to minimum hours, further changes effective 1 July 2022 will impact entitlements related to:

  • Damaged clothing
  • Remote response
  • Broken shifts

We will continue to provide updates as more details become available. Stay informed by following our latest news and insights (assurancehr.com.au in Bing).

Award Interpretation Services (assurancehr.com.au in Bing)

Understanding Fair Work Compliance (assurancehr.com.au in Bing)