From 1 January 2010, all employers covered by the national workplace relations system have an obligation to give each new employee a Fair Work Information Statement (Information Statement) before, or as soon as possible after, the employee commences employment.

The right for new employees to receive the Fair Work Information Statement is one (1) of ten (10) minimum standards in the National Employment Standards (NES) that apply to employment of employees from 1 January 2010.

Together with modern awards, the NES provides a new safety net for employees covered by the national workplace relations system.

Any employer who does not give the Information Statement to a new employee is contravening the terms of the NES for which significant penalties apply.