The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.U.55 Unsuitable work

Definition

Work may be unsuitable for a job seeker if it:

  • involves skills, experience or qualifications that the person does not have, and appropriate training will not be provided by the employer
  • may aggravate a pre-existing illness, disability (1.1.D.160) or injury and medical evidence has been provided
  • involves health or safety risks and would contravene an occupational health and safety law
  • is subject to terms and conditions that are less generous than the applicable statutory conditions
  • involves commuting from home to work that would be unreasonably difficult
  • involves working more hours than a person's assessed capacity within the next 2 years with intervention
  • involves enlistment in the Defence force or the Reserve forces
  • is undertaken by a principal carer of a child or children under SSAct section 5(1) and appropriate care and supervision of the child/ren is not available during the hours the person would be required to work
  • is the subject of industrial disputation
  • requires the person to change their residence, or
  • in the Secretary's opinion, is unsuitable for any other reason.
    • Example: On the basis of moral, cultural or religious grounds.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 40X Circumstances in which paid work is unsuitable

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.11.1.20 Suitable work

Last reviewed: