Employment Matters

DISCRIMINATION, UNFAIR DISMISSAL, WAGE & PAYMENT ISSUES, WORKPLACE HARASSMENT & BULLYING

Employment Matters

Being employed opens a wealth of opportunities to individuals and businesses. Employees are the lifeforce of many organisations and it is an imperative that your rights as both an employer and employee are maintained.

In a landscape of continuous developments, our objective is to ensure you are making well-informed decisions.

Unfair Dismissal:

If you feel that you have been dismissed in a harsh, unjust or unreasonable manner, it is important to note there are some criterions you must meet before you are able to apply for any remedies.

You need to have:

  • Been employed for at least 6 months, 12 months for small businesses (defined as smaller than 15 employees)
  • If you meet the above criteria – lodge an application within 21 days upon notice of your termination

As this is a time sensitive matter, it is recommended you contact a solicitor as soon as possible.

Wage & Payment issues:

Unpaid opportunities can manifest in different forms – vocational placements, unpaid job placements, internships, work experience or trials.

While some of these events have valid reasons to occur such as providing training or experience, complications may arise when there is has been an absence of pay.

If you have concerns of this area, it is best to seek professional advice.

Workplace Harassment & Bullying:

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment. Safe does not only mean physical safety but safe from bullying and harassment in the workplace.

In response to recent developments, there are national anti-bullying laws and state or territory bodies which monitor these situations.

It IS harassment if there is ongoing and repeated humiliation, intimidation and victimisation.

Discrimination:

It is important to understand that there is a difference between workplace harassment/bullying and discrimination.
Discrimination is the when there is an event such as demotion or termination of employment due to a person’s characteristics such as race, religion or gender.

For more information please visit the Fair Work Ombudsman government page.