A spouse or former spouse, de facto partner or former de facto partner, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of an employee, or a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of an employee’s spouse or de facto partner. It includes step-relations (eg. step-parents and step-children) as well as adoptive relations.

Severe weather condition that makes it unsafe or unreasonable for an employee to work. Other known term: severe weather.

A person who is self-employed and provides services to clients. They operate differently to employees and are seen as owners and run their own business. Other known terms: subcontracting and contractor.

A written agreement used by an employer and employee to change the effect of certain clauses in their award or registered agreement – making alternative arrangements that better suit the needs of the employer and employee. Other known term: flexibility term.

Industrial action is taken when an employer or employee try to settle a workplace dispute. This may include not going to work and refusing to perform work.

When a business is running with more liability that exceeds their assets.

A method of on-the-job training with a company. The intern is not paid as long as the person isn’t actually in an employment relationship.