The requirements for minimum three-hour shifts may well have been designed to protect workers from unscrupulous employers, but local workers, including school students earning valuable pocket money and learning even more valuable skills, who once worked shorter shifts in agreement with their employer, are the tangible proof that a one-size-fits-all approach can be too rigid sometimes.

Teenagers who once had a chance to earn pocket money from a few hours’ work after school have suddenly been sacked by bosses who had no choice, but are still struggling to work out how to fill these important shifts without compromising the payroll budget.

The Advertiser understands small business in regional and rural communities has borne the brunt of these changes, which are an important part of the Fair Work Australia legislation.

The Federal Government would do well to have a close look at the impacts of the new minimum shift rules and to talk to small business operators about the changes, and more importantly, listen to what business is saying.

New rules to stamp out unacceptable and unfair work practices are a step in the right direction, but when such changes end up working against some businesses and their previously good work practices, there has to be strong consideration given as to what else needs to be done.

What do you think? Write a letter to the editor, or e-mail editor@bendigoadvertiser. com.au