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.
The Fair Work Commission has already received 120 applications to deal with JobKeeper-related disputes, and has published a new benchbook for employers. Also in this article: updates on the JobKeeper scheme; a roundup of COVID-19 and other rulings; and more.
New research suggests the employment impacts of COVID-19 will be higher than previously estimated. Also in this article: a framework for long-term remote success; how grads will be "scarred" by their labour market entry; employees "confused" about JobKeeper; and more.
Employees might be unlikely to dispute stand-down directions at the moment, but a large number of claims and legal challenges are set to emerge when the market recovers, a lawyer warns.
The rules that will determine how the national JobKeeper scheme operates have been released. Also in this article, unemployment is set to hit 10%; employees are reporting higher stress levels, but are generally positive about their employers' COVID-19 responses; and more.
This webcast explains how employers can stay compliant with the Fair Work Act while directing stand downs, varying employees' hours or pay, or making roles redundant. It also provides a detailed overview of the new JobKeeper wage subsidy arrangements.
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.
The JobKeeper subsidy is a positive move for employers and employees alike, but there are some issues in how it will be executed and its implications for the labour market, an expert says.
Qantas is facing an investigation into whether it engaged in discriminatory conduct when it stood down a worker who raised concerns about COVID-19. And the Fair Work Commission is proposing to add pandemic leave and other provisions into a number of awards.
Workplace bullying complaints continue to pose significant challenges for employers, including where the behaviour doesn't meet the legal definition of bullying or the threshold to make a claim. Watch this HR Daily Premium webcast to understand key lessons from cases where bullying complaints interact with other claims and issues.
What constitutes "best practice" when managing neurodiversity at work is evolving all the time. Watch this HR Daily Premium webcast to learn how to embed neuroinclusive practices into HR programs and every stage of the employment lifecycle.
