Record Keeping Obligations
The Fair Work Act and Fair Work Regulations contain detailed record-keeping obligations. However, employers may need to keep additional records in order to ensure they are paying their employees correctly.
Casual Employment Changes from 26 August 2024
Casual employment was first defined in the Fair Work Act in 2021 as employment lacking an advance commitment to an ongoing pattern of work. The contract of employment is central to determining whether there was an advance commitment to an ongoing pattern of work under this definition. The amendments at the time also introduced a casual conversion mechanism triggered at the employee’s 12-month anniversary. However, the definition, relevant characteristics and conversion rights of casual employment are set to change again from 26 August 2024.
Final Modern Awards Right to Disconnect Term
On 23 August 2024 the Fair Work Commission published the Right to Disconnect term for inclusion in all modern awards from 26 August 2024 (a year later for small business employers).
Franchisor Responsibility and changes to franchise bargaining
Hennings Lawyers looks at a recent franchisor liability decision and what responsible franchisors can do to manage the risks. We touch on the potential role of the streamlined singe enterprise bargaining stream introduced into the Fair Work Act by the Closing the Loopholes reforms.
MODERN AWARD RATES TABLES FROM 2024
Hennings Lawyers’ Modern Awards Rates Tables are powered by the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards API. Get all the July 2024 rates for any modern award right now.
3.75% Increase in the 2024 MINIMUM WAGE DECISION
Hennings Lawyers looks at the 2024 minimum and wage decision of the Fair Work Commission. Our Managing Principal has represented industry at three previous national wage cases and shares some insights in this article which will be updated.
How the New Right to Disconnect Will Apply to EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES
The Right to Disconnect will apply to all employees from 24 August 2024 (a year later for small business employers). The Fair Work Commission has published an audit of modern award terms which the new right to disconnect may affect. We look at some of the implications for employers in relation to any employee covered by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
How the New Workplace Delegates’ Rights Terms Will Apply to Your Business
The Fair Work Commission has published the draft modern award workplace delegates’ rights term which will be finalised in coming weeks. We look at some of the implications for businesses with workforces which include employees covered by modern awards, enterprise agreements or both.
The Apples and Oranges of "Same Pay" for Labour Hire and Contractor Employees
Labour Hire and Contractor employers need to match more than just a host employer’s rates of pay - regulated labour hire orders will require labour hire and contractor employers to pay at least the total amount payable under a host’s enterprise agreement. We crunch the numbers on this complex exercise.
Industrial Relations 101
Susan Weston of Industrial Relations Learning shares how IR101 is an invaluable learning experience and navigational aid - not just for beginners but for anyone looking to fill knowledge gaps and update their skills after all the recent changes.
New Wage Theft Laws
The Fair Work Ombudsman had recovered around $1.3 billion between 2019 and mid-2023. Although some unscrupulous employers knowingly underpay employees, underpayments more commonly involve employers struggling to interpret modern awards or enterprise agreements. What can employers do to help ensure they pay their employees correctly?
2024 IR Calendar
2024 will see further changes to Australia’s industrial relations legislation and modern awards. In addition, many of the changes passed by parliament last year will start to apply on different dates throughout 2024 and 2025. Keep track of everything using our 2024 IR calendar, which will be updated throughout the year.
