-
Social media and the workplace – employees take care
We live in an age characterised by a rise in the use of social media – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, snapchat and the like. With that rise has come a large increase in the number of cases involving employees making comments about their employers “online” – to some extent there is no longer a divide […]
Read More -
Do you know about Adverse Action claims? You should!
It is not well known that the Fair Work Act provides that an employee has a “workplace right” if the employee is able to make a complaint or inquiry in relation to his or her employment. An employer contravenes the Act if the employer takes “adverse action” against the employee (for example, by dismissing the […]
Read More -
Parental leave – can I return to work part time?
Employees have a statutory entitlement to return to work and to their previous position after taking a period of parental leave under the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). If the employee’s previous position no longer exists, the employee is entitled to return to a position which is closest in pay and status to […]
Read More -
Understanding Unfair Dismissal Claims
Unfair dismissal matters can be complex and frustrating for both employers and employees alike. Since the commencement of the Fair Work Act in 2009, employers have had expanded responsibilities to ensure they correctly terminate employees and more employees are able to successfully make unfair dismissal claims. At the same time employers have narrower exceptions when […]
Read More -
Unfair Contracts Update – are you ready?
From 12 November 2016 the current Unfair Contract Terms Regime (UCT Regime) has been extended to cover standard form contracts entered into with ‘small business’. The changes have a significant impact on the way Australian businesses contract with each other and it important that you understand how the changes affect you and how you need […]
Read More -
Employee or Contractor – do you know the difference?
It’s important for all businesses to have systems in place to determine whether workers should be classified as employees or independent contractors, as tax, super and other government obligations are different depending on whether the working arrangement is employment or contracting. Employees generally have PAYG withholding, super and fringe benefits tax paid by the employer. […]
Read More -
Does your employment contract measure up?
If you are entering into an employment contract do you know what should be included? If you are an employer and using an old contract, should it be reviewed first? It is clear contracts should be individually structured to meet the needs of those involved and in reality both employer and employee should seek legal […]
Read More -
Fair Work Commission Anti-Bullying Orders explained
The Fair Work Commission has powers to make anti-bullying orders when a worker has been bullied by an individual or group and there is a risk that the worker will continue to be bullied at work by the individual or group. The Commission does not have the power to order any monetary compensation – […]
Read More -
How effective are your Post Employment Restraints
Much damage can be done to a business where an executive or senior manager resigns taking valuable customer information and confidential information. Restraint of trade clauses, or post-employment restraints, play a crucial role in protecting the legitimate interests of the employer. In order to protect business interest’s employment contracts should contain protections which operate after […]
Read More -
Sexual harassment policy technology considerations
In the Australian workplace, “sexual harassment” has been unlawful since at least 1984. One major issue for employers to deal with is displaying or circulating sexual material in the workplace. Back in 1984, when the laws were introduced, desktop computers, laptops and mobile phones, SMS, Skype and the internet were still largely future technologies. […]
Read More
Select Category:
