The industrial relations reform agenda outlined by the Federal Government "offers a lot of promise" if its unprecedented approach actually delivers outcomes, says a workplace lawyer.
An employer and individuals have been fined nearly $1m for underpaying workers; a bullied employee who was 'managed out' has been awarded $615k; Coles is facing a $150 million class action; and more.
Impacts of the Rossato v WorkPac case are likely to include both a loss of flexibility for employers if more casuals convert to permanency, and also a rise in the irregularity and unpredictability of work for those who don't, experts say.
The regulation introduced to protect employers from 'double-dipping' claims has "absolutely no utility" as a result of the Rossato v WorkPac ruling, an employment lawyer says.
An employer has failed in its high-profile challenge against a worker who claimed he was wrongly classified as a casual and should have received permanent employee entitlements.
The JobKeeper program will be reviewed next month to adjust for anomalies, misuse, and potential adjustment of its finish date, the Prime Minister has confirmed. Also in this article, the FWO slams big businesses' non-compliance with the FW Act; further changes to EA regulations; and more.
With the Federal Government urging a return to business as usual by July, employers have to consider some important questions about how they'll approach the transition, a workplace lawyer says.
Phasing out the JobKeeper scheme, rather than suddenly ending it, is one of several suggested measures to ensure a smooth labour market recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
Fair Work Act amendments to allow the Federal Government's $1500-a-fortnight JobKeeper scheme to proceed have been passed by parliament. Meanwhile the FWC has added pandemic leave to close to 100 modern awards.
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.
