Final Stage of Fair Work Act comes into Effect Jan 1 2010, Are you ready?

Too many businesses are blissfully unaware that in only a couple of days the new industrial laws will come into effect changing how they run their businesses.  On New Years Day new National Employment Standards and Modern Awards will be introduced and businesses could be in for a rude shock if they ignore the changes especially the flexibility clause contained in each award as one of the 10 new Standards.  

There are 10 National Employment Standards 6 of which apply to different forms of leave entitlements, 1 to maximum hours of work, another to a notice of termination and redundancy and one covering off the right to request flexible working arrangements.  As well each new employee must be provided with a Fair Work information statement which outlines rights and responsibilities.  

Under the new laws, any employee who is a parent of a preschool child or a carer of a child with a disability under the age of 18 can request flexible working arrangements, which may include changes to hours, days worked or maybe even location.  Employees can extend to 24 months unpaid parental leave and the definition of defacto partners now includes same sex couples.  Employees can be entitled to redundacy depending on how long the person has worked for you and the size of your business.

On top of the new standards comes the New Modern Awards.  The government has consolidated nearly 2500 awards down into 120.  Each business will need to understand which new award they are under and they conditions contained within.  What you might find is that you have some employees who have entitlements like penalty rates, shift loading and other benefits you are unaware of and potentially liable for.

The laws are complex as are your people.  They will confound you one minute and astound you the next.  Our counsel to all business is to get help.  With all the industrial relations changes from July 1 last year to those about to hit you January 1 the devil is in the detail.    We can help you get a clear picture of what you need to do to stay on top of the legislation, manage your employees and stay focused on the real game which is making sales and profits….remember them!