On 8 May 2020 the President of the Fair Work Commission issued a comprehensive statement dealing with the Commissions' response to the challenges of the COVID-19 virus.

Among the many interesting developments was an analysis of the Jobkeeper disputes considered by the Commission.

There are 3 main types of Jobkeeker directions, which are:

  • JobKeeper enabling stand down directions, which require the employee to work less hours than they would usually work (which can include no hours)
  • directions in relation to the duties to be performed by the employee, to temporarily alter the employee's usual duties
  • directions to perform duties at a place different to the employee's normal place of work, including their home.

From April until 7 May 2020, over 200 disputes had been lodged with the

Fair Work Commission. The Commission is dealing with these disputes very quickly.

Here is a link to the President's statement.

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