There are rules about what employees get at work, such as what hours they work and how often they have to have a break. These rules can be set out in different places such as an award, registered agreement or an employment contract.
An employee's minimum entitlements are set out in the National Employment Standards (NES). A registered agreement can provide for other entitlements but:
- the entitlements can't be less than what's in the NES
- if an award covers the employee, the entitlements can't be less overall than the award.
Employment contracts also can’t reduce someone’s entitlements under the NES, award or registered agreement.
To find employee pay rates go to Pay and wages or to learn about leave entitlements go to Leave.
To test your knowledge on common employee entitlements such as flexible working arrangements and types of employment, try our Workplace Basics quiz. You'll get feedback and links to helpful resources, as well as a certificate of completion at the end.
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The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and Elders, past, present and future.