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Employment and Workplace Relations

A successful employment and workplace relations strategy is critical to business success. This will become even more important in the near future, as growing labour force shortages will make it more difficult for businesses to attract, develop and retain the best people for their workforce.

Our employment and workplace relations team works closely with employers of all sizes to tailor strategies appropriate for their business.

These strategies include bringing about effective change management; speedy and lasting resolution to industrial disputes; minimising the risks associated with downsizing/restructuring; and minimising the risks associated with employee terminations.

In addition to the services that we provide to employers, our employment group also assists executives, senior managers and staff in matters relating to their employment.

Our Services

Our team provides advice and support across a wide range of workplace matters, including:

Change management in the workplace Industrial relations – strategy and litigation
Confidentiality and restraints of trade Occupational health and safety – including critical incident management advice; policy implementation and defending prosecutions
Disciplinary action and dismissals Privacy
Discrimination and sexual harassment Transmission of business
Dismissal litigation Work Choices – compliance audits
Downsizing Workers compensation
Executives – remuneration, entry and exit strategies Workplace agreements (including individual contracts) – planning and implementation
Freedom of association Workplace policies

Our approach to industrial relations focuses on communication and conciliation, rather than confrontation. However, where litigation or the threat of industrial disputation is raised, our team acts with firmness and resolve. In the event of litigation, we have an excellent record of successful representation. All members of our team have experience as advocates in State and Commonwealth jurisdictions.

Our team can assist employers in maximising compliance in the areas of Equal Employment Opportunity and Occupational Health and Safety. We can assist with training in relation to these areas. We are currently assisting clients in the transition process to working under the new "Work Choices" legislation.

For further information, contact David Thompson.

Latest News

27 August 2008 Urine testing for drugs and alcohol – is this the end?
20 August 2008 Requests for flexible work arrangements based on family/carer’s commitments
29 July 2008     Long Service Leave entitlements - can consistency be achieved?
Autumn 2008         Employment_Law_Update_April 2008.
1 April 2008 The Dismantling of WorkChoices
11 December 2007 New employer obligations
7 December 2007 AWA changes under Labor
23 November 2007 Superannuation contributions on payments in lieu of notice
24 October 2007 Failure to accommodate family responsibilities to become discriminatory
17 October 2007 Employee Fact Sheet - 20 October Deadline

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