Glossary & Acronyms

Employment law terms starting with I, from independent contractors and individual flexibility agreements (IFAs) to immediate family members, industrial action, inclement weather and insolvency. Plain-English definitions that explain what each term means for Australian employers.

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Terms and definitions

Immediate family member

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An immediate family member is a spouse (current or former), de facto partner (current or former), child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling.

Inclement weather

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Inclement weather is severe weather conditions that make it unsafe or unreasonable for employees to work.

Independent contractor

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An independent contractor offers services to others without being their employee. They usually set their own fees and terms and may serve many clients.

Individual flexibility agreement (IFA)

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An Individual Flexibility Agreement (IFA) is a written agreement that alters certain clauses of an award or registered agreement to suit specific needs.

Industrial action

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Industrial action is measures taken by either employers or employees to resolve a workplace dispute, which can include actions like not attending work.

Insolvency

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Insolvency refers to the financial state where a business cannot meet its debts as they fall due.

General information only

This content is general information about Australian employment law, current at the date it was last reviewed. It does not take your circumstances into account and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, call Employment Compass on 1300 144 002.

Last reviewed: October 2026