An employer breached the National Employment Standards and a worker's contract when it failed to return him to full-time work after parental leave, but it did not take adverse action against him, a court has ruled.
The Federal Government's move to restrict so-called 'double-dipping' of parental leave is an unnecessary setback for recent progress in making workplaces more family friendly, says Diversity Council Australia CEO Lisa Annese.
Partners of women who give birth via caesarean sections do not automatically become "primary carers" for their new babies, the Fair Work Commission has ruled in a dispute about paid parental leave.
A national review has recommended stronger laws to prevent discrimination against pregnant employees and parents, while also highlighting some leading practices by employers in relation to parental leave and pregnancy.
The Federal Government's proposed paid parental leave scheme is a positive move for small businesses, but could force a difficult decision on large employers with generous paid leave initiatives already in place, according to Diversity Council Australia CEO, Lisa Annese.
Employers and particularly their HR departments could avoid the bulk of complaints about pregnancy discrimination through good communication with employees, according to a partner at Hicksons law firm.
Many employers assume they're "doing the right thing" when they stop communicating with employees on maternity leave, but according to seasoned executive Janine Garner, this is an ineffective - and potentially damaging - business strategy.
The parental-leave process can be fraught with confusion and misunderstandings, but according to return-to-work expert Emma Walsh, employers can take simple, inexpensive steps to make the transitions easier for everyone.
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.
