A senior manager's unfair dismissal claim can proceed after a COVID-19 salary reduction put her below the high-income threshold, the Fair Work Commission has ruled. Also in this article: amended JobKeeper directions prioritise full-time workers; in-house labour hire EAs blocked; and more.
An academic is calling for a clearer definition of 'reasonableness' ahead of the Federal Government's JobKeeper review, so employers and workers don't continue to "fumble through" the new laws.
The Fair Work Commission has on appeal overturned a ruling that it was reasonable to direct both permanent and casual employees to work the same minimum hours each week while receiving JobKeeper. Also in this article, orders for a former HR manager; new rulings on redundancies, dismissals and more; and another state introduces 'wage theft' laws.
The 'work status' test is a core failing of the current IR system and must be updated in the Fair Work Act, an inquiry into the on-demand workforce recommends.
The Fair Work Ombudsman will now approach compliance and enforcement with greater flexibility as a result of "dramatically changed economic conditions" caused by the coronavirus.
The High Court has begun hearing an appeal over how much personal leave employees working non-standard shifts are entitled to. Also in this article: a roundup of dismissal rulings and JobKeeper disputes; extensions to COVID-19 award changes; and more.
The Federal Government rightly prioritised speed over perfection in rolling out pandemic business supports, but design flaws could "bite" in the coming months if they don't get urgent attention, according to a new thinktank report.
The High Court has updated and publicised its s-xual harassment policies in the wake of findings against a former judge. Also in this article, Western Australia's new IR bill; an employee retrenched at the height of COVID-19 who saw her employer advertising jobs weeks later can claim unfair dismissal; and more.
The ABC is backpaying $12 million plus a $600k contrition payment after underpaying nearly 2,000 employees. Also in this article, ACCC allegations against a workplace advisor; minimum wages rise; and more.
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.
