Articles

In Australia at present, federal industrial relations legislation contains some special provisions designed to make its obligations less onerous for small business employers. If an employer qualifies as a small business employer within the definition in the Fair Work Act, it can dismiss employees more easily, and is absolved of some responsibilities it might otherwise […]

Three very practical issues are discussed in this edition. The complexity of the law surrounding what can be paid to very senior staff when they leave the employ of a corporation has been the source of much confusion, and is starting to be the source of litigation over what can and cannot be paid. Our […]

In this edition, we explore when and how an employer can use pre-employment medical screening, and whether the risk is worth the reward. We also take a closer look at how to deal with ill and injured employees, and whether an employer can terminate the employment for reasons of ill health. The new Anti-Bullying Laws […]

Important changes regarding wages, superannuation, and the high income threshold take effect From 1 July 2014

We are delighted to share with you a webcast of our recent client briefing entitled: “Corporate Governance & Sexual Harassment – Response Mechanisms for Employers” which was held in Sydney on Thursday 28 August 2014. In this session, Michael Harmer, Chairman and Senior Team Leader provided an update on key developments in workplace relations in […]

A recent Federal Circuit Court decision, Sagona v R & C Piccoli Investments Pty Ltd & Ors [2014] FCCA 875 (30 April 2014) (“Sagona”), serves as an important reminder of employers’ obligations in relation to pregnant employees in the workplace. In Sagona, the Court held that the respondents, a photography business and its two directors/managers/shareholders, […]

The Full Federal Court has upheld Rebecca Richardson’s appeal against Oracle Corporation Australia, awarding her damages of $130,000 for sexual harassment, and ordering Oracle to pay the costs of the appeal. In February 2013, the judge at first instance found that Ms Richardson had been sexually harassed and that Oracle, as her employer, was vicariously […]

Topics covered: productivity, efficiency, flexibility and cost reduction mechanisms under the current legislative regime; the mechanisms available post election; innovative EBA trends; the importance of individual contracts in Australian industrial relations (from CRAs to IFAs); and change management now and into the future. Please click here to access the webcast video and presentation for your […]

On Wednesday 13 June, 2012, Shana Schreier-Joffe, CEO and Senior Team Leader, Harmers Workplace Lawyers presented “The Contract of Employment” to a small group of senior legal and HR executives. In this session, Shana covered the importance of the contract of employment and focused on the creation of the employment contract, the terms of the […]

On Thursday 19 April, 2012, Shana Schreier-Joffe, CEO and Senior Team Leader and Jenny Inness, Senior Associate and Team Leader of Harmers Workplace Lawyers delivered a training presentation to senior management, legal and HR professionals entitled “Workplace issues and their investigation” at the Swissotel, Sydney. In this session, Shana and Jenny considered the role of […]