International students employed at supermarkets can extend their working hours to help meet high demand
Australia’s major supermarkets will temporarily be able to offer more hours to international student employees to help keep shelves stocked.
International students currently employed at the major supermarkets will be able to extend their working hours to help meet high demand for essential items because of the coronavirus. Ordinarily international students are subject to a maximum 40 hours a fortnight during term.
On 13th March 2020, Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the changes would help supermarkets meet immediate demand with their existing work force and allow international students to support themselves.
“Our government is working to minimise the impact of COVID-19 in the higher education sector, this includes the impact on students supporting themselves while they study,” Mr Tehan said.
“This initiative will give international students more flexibility to work while studying and also allow employers to meet demand during a busy period.”
Employers are still required to abide by all relevant Australian workplace laws. Students have the same rights under Australian workplace law as all other employees.
