Industrial Relations Archives - MDC Legal

LinkedIn or “LockedOut”? Policies and restraints on employee use of Social Media

Posted by | Articles, Dispute Resolution & Advocacy, HR Advice & Support, Industrial Relations, Restraints of Trade, Training & Compliance | No Comments

By Mark Cox, Director and Lauren Wright, Lawyer 

LinkedIn is one example of how new technologies and social media “disruptors” are intercepting with the workplace in ways that challenge our traditional notions of employment rights and obligations.

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What are your business’ New Year’s workplace relations resolutions?

Posted by | Articles, Contracts, Discrimination & Bullying, Dispute Resolution & Advocacy, HR Advice & Support, Industrial Relations, Terminations, Unfair Dismissals & Adverse Action | No Comments

By Nikita Barsby, Special Counsel 

HRD Australia recently reported that the success rate of Australian employers in unfair dismissal cases has dropped below 40% for the first time – while these remain the claim of choice for employees, with an unfair dismissal claim lodged every three and a half minutes in Australia.1

We expect hot topics for workplaces will include managing poor performance and bullying and stress claims, avoiding award or NES breach claims (and the risk of huge new penalties) or discrimination claims.

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External advisers and HR managers accessorily liable for breaches of the Fair Work Act as penalties for breaches intensify on small businesses

Posted by | HR Advice & Support, Industrial Relations, Performance Management & Misconduct Investigations | No Comments

By MDC Legal

In a recent decision of the Federal Circuit Court an external accountant who advised a business on its employee arrangements was held liable under the accessorial provisions of the Fair Work Act. This decision is a red flag to external advisors who are closely involved with HR, payroll and employee entitlements of employer businesses.

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employment lawyer at his desk

SME? How Employment Law Applies to You

Posted by | Articles, Contracts, Discrimination & Bullying, Industrial Relations | No Comments

By MDC Legal

The relationship between employer and employee is subject to a multitude of Australian state and federal laws and is key to the success of any business. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face a number of challenges when managing their employees. Many businesses lack a dedicated human resources department, leaving HR responsibilities to busy owners or senior managers.

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