A workplace relations specialist has successfully defended ACCC allegations that it misled consumers into believing it was affiliated with Fair Work agencies and misrepresented the primary function of its helpline.
Temporary changes to help employers manage pandemic conditions have been extended in 74 awards, but one remains in dispute. Also in this article: the impact of bystander action on bullying; and the scammers now targeting HR professionals.
In a decision that affects all employers participating in the JobKeeper scheme, the Federal Court has answered a "short but important question" about calculating employees' fortnightly pay.
Working groups have largely agreed on the problems with Australia's industrial relations system, but the solutions will require some compromise, IR Minister Christian Porter has flagged. Also in this article: JobKeeper 2.0 regulations; new rulings on workplace misconduct, contract breaches and investigations; and more.
The Fair Work Commission plans to extend the COVID-19 flexibilities in 71 awards until the end of March, in the absence of opposition to the move. Also in this article, Western Australia gets paid pandemic leave; and more legislation news.
Another employer has entered into a court-enforceable undertaking to avoid prosecution, backpaying more than $8 million to 1,238 workers, with more to come.
A JobKeeper-enabling stand down that applied only to one worker, who had recently requested to work only from home, was unfair, the Fair Work Commission has found.
A spike in employee disputes in the coming months is "inevitable", but a specialist says many are avoidable if employers use proactive mediation before deciding on workplace changes.
All employers should consider putting in place a workplace s-xual harassment prevention plan, even though such plans are only expressly prescribed in one jurisdiction, according to a risk management expert.
Recent events have shone a spotlight on whistleblowing, placing employers firmly on notice that their response to a protected disclosure could be subject to intense scrutiny. Watch this webcast to understand the role HR plays in this challenging space.
