IRHR 15/08 A Government investigating ‘slave-like’ exploitation of 417 visa holders In the second week of May Four Corner’s, broadcaster ABC alleged that multiple abuses of working holidaymakers were occurring within the food supply industry. The conditions that workers featured on the program reportedly faced included gross underpayment and ‘slave-like’ expectations. The exposé referred specifically […]

IRHR 15/07 B While in a number of workplaces the language used might make some people blush, quite often regular use of swear words are accepted as part of everyday descriptive language.  However, when does ‘acceptable’ swearing cross the line and become a potential legislative issue? In certain workplaces, typically blue collar, a certain level […]

IRHR 15/07 A What you might consider fair when dismissing an employee – may not be by both society and legal standards The Human Resources profession has changed remarkably over the past 20 years. Major improvements to legislation and also learning from past experiences now ensures that when performance managing employees, business owners have a […]

IRHR 15/06 A When do policies become a legal promise to employees? Do you know if your workplace policies are contractually binding?  If they are, both you and your employees have a legal obligation to follow them.  Key factors that will help determine if your policies are legally binding are: The employment contract expressly states […]

IRHR 15/06 B What happens if a public holiday falls on an employee’s day off? For example: an employee who is rostered on a 4 day week ie Monday to Thursday, and a public holiday happens to fall on the Friday of one week As the public holiday falls on a day that an employee […]

IRHR 15/05 A Can you be liable if your workers commit harassment?   Harassment doesn’t just have to be sexual.  In can include behavior that makes another person feel intimidated, victimised or extremely uncomfortable.  Some examples might be: Making offensive jokes at another person’s expense Verbally abusing someone or making comments that degrade or belittle […]