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Fair Work Commission Upholds PaperCut Firing Over Three‑Day Office Rule

The commission found the direction sat within the contract’s scope with clear communication of expectations.

Overview

  • The Fair Work Commission ruled Richard Johnson’s dismissal was not harsh, unjust or unreasonable after he refused to meet a three‑days‑in‑office requirement.
  • Johnson’s contract allowed working from home only in line with company policy, which the commission said did not grant an unconditional right to remote work.
  • PaperCut formalized a hybrid policy in August 2023 targeting three office days by January 2025, issued a final warning on May 20, 2025, and terminated Johnson on June 19, 2025.
  • Johnson acknowledged non‑compliance and did not lodge a statutory flexible‑work request or present personal reasons that would limit office attendance.
  • The judgment recorded that Johnson has been unable to secure alternative employment since the termination.