Retailers win fight over after-school shifts

The Australian Retailers Association has applauded a Fair Work Australia decision that will allow businesses to employ school students on shifts as short as 1.5 hours.

Fair Work Australia dismissed an appeal by unions, which had wanted the minimum to be three hours.

An earlier ruling that lifted the minimum had become contentious because it forced some businesses to lay off part-time workers.

ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said the decision was the first step to introducing flexibility into working arrangements and improving productivity.

“ARA now believes it is incumbent on Fair Work Australia and the federal government to look at other issues in the retail award including archaic weekend penalty rate structures.

Mr Zimmerman also said the decision was a win-win for both students and retailers.

“Fair Work Australia has today made a logical decision that means shifts between the end of school and close of business are safe and available for students who want to get their first experience in the workforce.”