In the current global environment, it could be argued that there is a broad and accelerating trend towards “holding the powerful to account”, seen through social movements such as #TimesUp and #MeToo. Though largely initially confined to the entertainment industry, these movements have ended any number of high-profile careers and the ramifications are spreading geographically and across industries.

Pursuant to section 96(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act), permanent employees are entitled to 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave each year. For a standard 38 hour working week, this equates to 10 days of personal/carer’s leave at 7.6 hours per day.    

With the demise of the master/servant relationship in the employment sphere 120 years ago, surely our private opinions are no longer owned by our employers.  In the privacy of our own garret, we must be free to pen our most impassioned feelings.  And if not obviously published in a manner that connects such ruminations to our employer, surely we must be free from consequence?  

Employees who are covered by an award will have their award base rates increased by 3% with effect from the first pay period starting 1 July 2019. The FWC’s pay guides have the current minimum pay rates for full-time, part-time and casual employees in an award, so be sure to check again for the soon to be published 2019-20 pay guide rates.  

The pressures on employers are vice-like, how do you comply with requirements of the Fair Work Act to keep accurate attendance records to ensure correct pay, without monitoring employee attendance accurately?

Modern businesses reject the notion that sexual harassment in the workplace is acceptable. However, confusion about what legally constitutes workplace sexual harassment under Australian law continues and might inadvertently lead to inappropriate behaviour, resulting in claims against employers and individuals.

Access to Education is considered a basic human right and education providers across Australia strive to support students of all abilities. Unfortunately, issues continue to arise where students believe they have not been adequately accommodated and subsequently initiate action against a service provider.

If your work place involves a large site, the use of a drone can be a way monitor many types of risks. 

The risk of officers and workers being imprisoned for breaches of WHS legislation has been a possibility for many years but is now becoming a reality.

Modern approaches to discrimination acknowledge that people are legally entitled to equitable treatment.

Discrimination and harassment are currently under a worldwide spotlight and a significant issue with workplaces and service delivery organisations, including education providers

There is a genuine drive by Australian employers to improve responses to discrimination and harassment within their workplace and broader client environment.

If no reasons for terminating an employee’s employment are given then the employer is exposed  to a finding that the real reason was a prohibited reason under the Fair Work Act.

Yesterday, in response to the decision in Workpac v Skene (the Workpac Decision),[1] the Government brought into effect the Fair Work Amendment (Casual Loading Offset) Regulation 2018 (the Regulation).