Workers in Australia can now legally refuse unreasonable contact from their employers outside of work hours. 

A legislated right to disconnect has come into effect and is expected to majorly reduce the number of unpaid work hours.

The law change offers some flexibility around the employee's role and responsibilities, the nature of the contact, and how disruptive it is. 

Australian correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Ryan Bridge the laws apply to businesses with more than 15 employees. 

She says it means people don't feel like they need to be on call 24 seven.

LISTEN ABOVE

Workers in Australia can now legally refuse unreasonable contact from their employers outside of work hours.  
A legislated right to disconnect has come into effect and is expected to majorly reduce the number of unpaid work hours. 
The law change offers some flexibility around the employee's role and responsibilities, the nature of the contact, and how disruptive it is.  
Australian correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Ryan Bridge the laws apply to businesses with more than 15 employees.  
She says it means people don't feel like they need to be on call 24 seven. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

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