Fair Work Australia this week released its latest annual report.  It is interesting reading. As you can see by the title of this post, the number of unfair dismissal claims has once again risen over the year 2011-2012 to a total of 14,027.  This is an increase of 9.2%. The "headline" number for the government in this report is the number of claims settled overall under this system - 81%.  Evidence that the system is "working" they say. read more

At People Smartz we receive a large number of phone calls and website hits every month from clients, ex-clients and others requesting information regarding Small Business HR Issues. We have been keeping records for sometime about the questions asked, however, for the first time this month, we have decided to publish the top 5 topics based on the questions asked.  Our top five for the last month are: read more

The Fair Work Ombudsman has given advice that award wage employees are entitled to the payment of leave loading on termination of employment. read more

Australia's new Modern Award system is now nearly 3 months old.  In that time, I have been dealing with small to medium sized businesses, assisting them in ensuring they are meeting the requirements of the awards and the National Employment Standards. read more

Over the last two months, we have seen a huge increase in businesses requesting we conduct our free compliance check on their business. The reason for this is the implementation of the new Modern Awards and the National Employment Standards.  We are now seeing the effect of these new awards and standards on business and the additional burdens they involve. Our experience with these reviews has enabled us to identify the 5 most common things we are seeing that businesses need to change because of the new laws. read more

Happy New Year! Listening to the news last night here in Brisbane, the reports were on many new laws/changes being introduced in the new year.  Bus Fares were going up, politicians were going to be paid more etc. But there was not one mention of some of the most wide spread changes to the working lives of Australians.  Effective today, Australia's new system of modern awards and the National Employment Standards (NES) will now govern the way businesses employ and manage their staff. read more

End of year/Christmas Office parties - a great time to unwind, rub shoulders with workmates and other great antics.  They can be a fun time! But end of year parties have a very serious side as many of these antics lead to "regrets" after. Recent research in Australia found that 70% of people believed that hitting the booze led to a more "personal" feeling amongst staff.  Nearly a quarter of females interviewed admitted that their boss had made a pass at them at an office party. read more

Only 37 days to go until Modern Awards and the National Employment Standards take effect, use this time Now! In 37 days, Modern Awards and the National Employment Standards will begin governing the working relationships of nearly all Australians.  Recent legislation passed by state parliaments will see the Federal System of awards covering all private businesses in Australia for the first time. This is a significant step forward in Australian Industrial Relations.  For the first time ever, we will be coming close to having a national system governing employment relationships. read more

Laws regarding the use of Independent Contractors have been around for quite a few years now.  These laws are designed to provide increased protection against employers who try and avoid their employment obligations by using what are called "Sham" agreements. Independent contractors run their own business and should be free to negotiate their fees and working arrangements.  They may provide their services to any number of clients. read more

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission has been releasing over the last couple of months the new Modern Awards to cover employment within Australia from 1 January 2010. The process is continuing and by the time January 1 comes along, all employees under $108,000 per annum will be covered by one of the new modern awards.  This includes professional occupations who previously had not been covered by an award - some of them under a new "catch-all" award created for the purpose of ensuring they are covered. read more