Blog

How much control do employers have over employee hygiene and appearance?

19/11/2024

Everyone has the right to a safe work environment free from discrimination.  In Australia, laws prevent employers from taking adverse action against an employee because of race, colour, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer responsibilities, pregnancy, religion, political opinion, national…

“Campaign of pressure” to sign a new employment contract results in unfair dismissal

24/10/2024

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has warned that employees cannot be compelled to sign a new employment contract after a worker was found to have been unfairly dismissed for not agreeing to a new contract with a higher sales target and stricter post-employment restraints. The business…

New minimum standards and protections for regulated workers

01/10/2024

From 26 August 2024, the Fair Work Act definition of employee has expanded in response to issues related to the classification and treatment of independent contractors. The amendment is part of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Act 2024.   Independent contractor or employee?…

Employees’ new right to disconnect after clocking off

03/09/2024

Last year, the Senate Select Committee on Work and Care drew attention to “availability creep” where Australian employees are increasingly expected to complete work outside of work hours leading to significant unpaid overtime.  To combat this, the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) has been amended from 26 August 2024 to…

Pay rise for minimum wage earners

03/06/2024

The Annual Wage Review is in, and Australia’s minimum wage workers are set to receive a 3.75% increase from 1 July 2024. The Fair Work Commission considered cost-of-living pressures on households, the needs of the low-paid workforce and the gender pay gap when reaching their decision. In announcing the…

Overstepping boundaries: can you be dismissed for exceeding your duties?

03/04/2024

A New South Wales employee recently challenged their termination after their employer alleged repeated disregard for company processes and designated roles. The employee, who performed administration tasks, including reception duties, appointment scheduling, accounts, and client service agreements, was terminated