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New rules for small businesses from 26 August

On 26 August 2025, new laws will start for small businesses and their employees. These changes relate to the right to disconnect and the ‘employee choice’ pathway for casual employees.

There may be times a small business employer and their employee have a dispute about these new laws. They should always try and resolve these disputes in their workplace first. If they can’t, we may be able to help resolve the dispute.

Right to disconnect

The right to disconnect starts on 26 August 2025 for small businesses and their employees. This means that employees can refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact or attempted contact outside their working hours, unless their refusal is unreasonable.

  1. The right to disconnect

    Watch our animation about understanding the right to disconnect.

We can help small business employers and their employees resolve disputes about the right to disconnect that can’t be resolved in the workplace. See Right to disconnect disputes for more information.

‘Employee choice’ pathway for casuals

From 26 August 2025, eligible casuals in small businesses can notify their employer in writing of their intention to change to full-time or part-time employment. This is called the ‘employee choice’ pathway. A casual employee can also choose to remain casual.

The employer must respond to any requests the receive. They may also refuse the request in some circumstances.

We can help small business employers and their employees resolve disputes about the ‘employee choice’ pathway that can’t be resolved in the workplace.

See Casual to full-time or part-time employment for more information. 

Read our New rules for small business factsheet (pdf)

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