New research shows it would be a mistake for employers to return to business as usual instead of maintaining their workplace flexibility. Also in this article: the Federal Circuit Court has rejected an injured worker's adverse action claim; new rulings on standdowns, JobKeeper disputes and more; and fewer employees are coming out at work.
Most employers were quick to freeze salaries in the wake of COVID-19, but the proportion actually reducing employees' pay has been growing, according to new research by Korn Ferry.
A Fair Work Commission full bench has rejected another jurisdictional challenge by Qantas regarding a JobKeeper underpayment dispute. Meanwhile the Commission has reduced an employer's redundancy obligation to nil, accepting it had no capacity to pay.
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.
A part-time employee who refused to use some of her annual leave while receiving JobKeeper payments has received little sympathy from the Fair Work Commission. Meanwhile, the Federal Court has ruled that employees are not entitled to paid personal leave during stand downs.
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.
The Fair Work Commission has ruled it does have jurisdiction to deal with JobKeeper underpayment disputes, in rejecting an attempt by Qantas to throw out an employee's claim.
The different approaches employers are taking to reduce their staffing costs carry varying degrees of risk, but all can be minimised with effective communication, according to an employment law expert.
