On the couch
On the couch
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We have a very comfortable virtual couch at Justitia, which is where we have our best discussions. This is what we’re talking about at the moment.
Office space – looking to the future
@newyorker journalist John Seabrook asks the question whether the pandemic has transformed the office forever. He summarises the existential questions as “What’s an office for? Is it a place for newbies to learn from experienced colleagues? A way for bosses to oversee shirkers? A platform for collaboration? A source of friends and social life? A […]
Confirmed: Employees not entitled to paid personal/carer’s leave during a stand down
In March 2020 Qantas lawfully stood down 20,000 of its ground staff due to the coronavirus global pandemic pursuant to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act). Section 524 of the Act provides that an employer can stand down employees from work in certain circumstances including a stoppage of work for which an employer cannot […]
An employer’s guide to 2021
Although 2020 has taught us that we can never know what is in store, there are a number of industrial relations and employment law issues that we consider will be front and centre in 2021. While it is unclear how these issues will unfold over the course of the year, employers are encouraged to keep […]
Proposed changes to agreements in new IR Bill
On 9 December 2020, Attorney-General and Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter introduced the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2020 (IR Bill) to the Australian Parliament. The IR Bill was drafted following the formation of five IR reform working groups which were made up of employer and industry groups and unions. […]
JobKeeper 2.0 –What you need to know
JobKeeper 2.0 – What you need to know As of 28 September 2020, changes to the JobKeeper scheme have extended the scheme until 28 March 2021. These changes include enabling employers that previously qualified for JobKeeper payments, but that no longer qualify because they have not met the threshold of a 30% decline in turnover, […]
Tips for new managers and new starters in HR
As employment lawyers, we sometimes don’t hear from certain clients until something goes wrong. It may be that the new recruit doesn’t have the skills to fit their job description, an unsuccessful candidate has made a discrimination complaint, or the challenging consequences of a poorly drafted employment contract are coming to light. With each of these […]
High Court decision on personal/carer’s leave
The High Court has handed down its decision in Mondelez today, finally settling the question about what “10 days” of personal/carer’s leave means. Employers now have certainty about entitlements. […]
Reminder for employers about wage increases
As we commence the new financial year, we remind employers that some of you may very soon be required to increase wages for your employees. Are you one of those employers? Read on to consider whether this legal obligation affects you. If you are an employer who pays: the minimum wage to your award/agreement free […]
Preparing for Coronavirus in the workplace – key questions for employers
Organisations across Australia are currently preparing for, and dealing with, the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Coronavirus). According to experts, it is a question of when, not if, a pandemic will be declared and the Australian Government has already triggered its emergency response plan. A pandemic, according to the World Health Organisation, is the worldwide spread […]
