Recent decision sets tone for flexible working requests
The decision of Chandler v. Westpac Banking Corporation [2025] FWC 3115, not only sets the tone for flexible working requests going forward but also highlights the importance of employers following the strict procedure under the Fair Work Act 2009 when responding to these requests.
In this article, we summarise the key reasons for the FWC’s decision and the takeaways for employers.
Last year, Westpac introduced a “Hybrid Working Model” policy requiring employees to attend a Westpac corporate office in-person for at least two days per week.
The employee had previously relocated to Wilton, 80km south-west of Sydney, with her children attending a private school near her family home. The employee worked on a part-time basis remotely from home. After the introduction of the Hybrid Working Model, the employee was initially told she could work for two days per week from Westpac’s Bowral branch, but this decision was then reversed, and the employee was informed she instead had to work from a Westpac corporate office for at least two days per week. The closest corporate office to the employee’s home was located in Kogarah, approximately two hours from her home and the school attended by her children.
On 17 January 2025, the employee submitted a formal request for flexible working arrangements, seeking permission to work remotely on a full-time basis to enable her to attend to school pick-ups and drop-offs for her children. The...
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is investigating allegations that false claims of child sexual abuse may have been filed against the county, as it settled thousands of legitimate ...