Suitable employment is defined in the Act as appropriate employment that considers:

• The nature of the workers injury and incapacity
• The workers age, education, skill and work experience
• Any return to work plan
• Any rehabilitation services being provided

And does not have regard to:

• Whether the work or employment is available
• Whether the work or employment is the type or nature that is generally available in the employment market
• The nature of the worker’s pre injury employment
• The worker’s place of residence

This is a very wide definition of suitable employment. It essentially means that suitable employment could be work such as a car park attendant, receptionist or very light office type work.

Should the insurer find a worker is physically capable of undertaking such work then it will be regarded as suitable employment regardless of whether any such positions are available.