Amendments to the Fair Work Act proposed by Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten aim to ensure there are "cost consequences" for employees and lawyers who lodge unreasonable unfair dismissal claims.
A ruling that it was unjust to dismiss a worker for "offensive, derogatory and discriminatory" posts about his managers highlights the critical importance of social media policies in the workplace, according to an employment lawyer.
In the event of an unfair dismissal claim from an injured worker, a solid paper trail is a critical element of an employer's defence, says Mills Oakley lawyer Luke Connolly - but when it comes to constructing one, many don't know where to start.
The discrimination landscape is constantly evolving, posing new challenges for HR professionals. Watch this webcast to learn how to guard against modern risks and meet your obligations.
Social media and blurry work/life boundaries mean employers can learn a lot about employees' out-of-work activities, but they should be very cautious about addressing them, according to employment lawyers.
Employers that attempt to recover costs associated with sponsoring workers could find themselves on the wrong side of the law, placing their ongoing eligibility as a sponsor at risk, says immigration law specialist Katie Malyon.
Damages awarded to a senior executive who was belatedly accused of misconduct should send a strong message to employers about the need for consistency when terminating staff - especially when the stakes are high, says Harmers Workplace Lawyers chief operating officer Emma Pritchard.
A full bench of the Federal Court has upheld a two-year restraint as "reasonable", saying the non-solicitation provisions in an executive's contract did not offer enough protection for his former employer.
Drug and alcohol addiction is like "any other health condition" and employees should be given opportunities to seek treatment and improve their job performance rather than have their employment terminated, psychologist Cameron Brown says.
In "tough-stuff conversations" managers should be clear in their communication, clear in their intent, and get to the point by using direct language, say authors Darren Hill, Alison Hill and Dr Sean Richardson.
When an employer receives a complaint or becomes aware of a conduct issue, it's not always appropriate to go down a traditional disciplinary path. This HR Daily Premium Q&A will discuss alternative options and how to determine which is best in various circumstances.
Recent constructive dismissal claims highlight the risks involved in accepting a resignation from an employee who is experiencing mental health issues. Watch this Q&A to understand the rulings' implications for all employers.
