We’ve all heard over the last few weeks of the many Dick Smith customers who have gift cards that are now worthless after the company went into voluntary receivership. Some of these gift cards are said to be worth upwards of $1,000 and whilst it is deeply upsetting for consumers, many of whom are children…
Redundancy
A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission regarding redundancy entitlements could have some unfortunate consequences for employees and, in my opinion, in the long term for business and the economy. In Compass Group (Australia) Pty Ltd v National Union of Workers; United Firefighters’ Union of Australia [2015] FWCFB 8040 the Full Bench of the…
Performance Reviews: Are they really worthwhile?
It is very in vogue at the moment to ditch performance reviews in the workplace. From Virgin UK to General Electric, companies are snubbing this tool in favour of other management techniques. But does this really work? What are the benefits of performance reviews? And most importantly, should you persevere with yours? To take a…
Legal challenge to Poker Machines not the first
I share the opinion that poker machines are a serious social problem. Research has shown the effects they have had on many people’s lives and families. Unlike the dangers of drinking, drugs and smoking, the negative effects of poker machines rarely result in direct physical harm. Therefore stakeholders, including the state and federal governments, are…
What should employers take from the Todd Carney Saga….
In March I blogged about Todd Carney, and his potential legal claim against the Cronulla Sharks for unlawfully terminating his contract of employment. It was of little surprise then to learn that this action has now been brought. The media are describing this action as ‘Unfair Dismissal’. Those familiar with current workplace law will…
Flexibility at work. Are we throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
‘Flexibility’ has always been an aspect of workplace law, and a key obligation on employers. It is both essential to anti discrimination law, as well as a key element of ‘a fair go all round’ – a fundamental tenet of Australian workplace law for half a century. The flexibility provisions in the National Employment Standards do little but to…