A Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) is a document issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) that gives new employees a general overview of the National Employment Standards (NES) and conditions of employment.
As an employer, you have a legal obligation to give new employees a copy of the FWIS before or as soon as practical after they start employment. You can do this by giving them a copy of the statement in-person or by email, email link to the FWO website, mail, or fax.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009 employers who do not distribute copies of the Fair Work Information Statement may face a financial penalty for a breach of the NES.
Information Contained in The Fair Work Information Statement
The FWIS sets out an employee’s main rights and entitlements at work. The statement also contains information about the Fair Work Commission (FWC) and FWO.
The FWIS Statement includes:
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the National Employment Standards
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right to request flexible working arrangements
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modern awards
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making agreements under the Fair Work Act 2009
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individual flexibility arrangements
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freedom of association and workplace rights (general protections)
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termination of employment
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right of entry
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the role of the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission.
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Providing the Statement