In this alert we touch on some of the important upcoming changes that you need to be aware of in relation to: Annualised Salaries in Awards Mandatory Whistleblower Policies due 1 January 2020 Award changes Annualised Salaries in Awards – changes coming The Fair Work Commission recently decided that changes will be made to the annualised salary […]
This month we look at employee use (or misuse) of social media. We examine some recent cases and highlight some tips for employers to help manage similar issues. Social media – where are we now? There has been growth in the number of Court cases relating to the use (or misuse) of social media by […]
This month we look at a recent Full Federal Court decision which is likely to have significant impacts on the accrual and taking of personal/carer’s leave. We explain how this decision affects employers and outline the steps you should take to ensure you are managing your employee entitlements correctly. Quick refresher – The entitlement to […]
This month we look at the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) ‘stop bullying’ jurisdiction and explain what employers need to know about the increasing prevalence of these claims being made by employees. We explore what constitutes ‘bullying’ under the regime and give examples of what does not meet the definition. We also set out some important […]
The revamped federal whistleblower laws commenced on 1 July 2019 and they have some teeth. A whistleblower is an insider or a person related to an organisation who reports misconduct or other inappropriate activity that has occurred within the organisation. Certain legal protections are provided to whistleblowers and the recent changes have significantly expanded and strengthened the […]
The importance of having well-written employment contracts and workplace policies cannot be underestimated as they can set a very clear framework in which the relationship between the parties will be regulated. They also provide significant assistance when resolving workplace disputes. Why have employment contracts? Failure to enter into a written contract of employment with employees […]
Managing ill employees is no easy task. For instance, what do you do if your employee is absent from work due to illness for days, weeks or even months on end? When can you request that the employee give you more detailed medical information to help you understand the illness and their capacity for work? […]
On 3 June 2019, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) announced that it has been given increased powers and resources from Parliament to crack down on employers who are not adhering to Australia’s Industrial Relations laws. The issues that the FWO will be targeting in 2019-2020 include: Sham contracting; Franchising arrangements; and Supply chain risks. Underpayments, […]
Independent contractor arrangements – while they have their place, they can be risky and it looks like the risks are about to increase considerably. It is vitally important for businesses to correctly identify the persons performing work for them as either an employee or a contractor. By this we mean a true employee or a […]
The Federal Election has come and gone with a surprise win for Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Coalition. In this alert we look at what a re-elected Coalition will mean for employers. Crack down on underpaying Employees ‘Wage theft’ is a hot topic and a big focus for the Government and the Fair Work […]