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
- Confidentiality and restraints of trade
- Disciplinary action and dismissals
- Discrimination and sexual harassment
- Dismissal litigation
- Downsizing
- Executives – remuneration, entry and exit strategies
- Fair Work Act – compliance audits
- Freedom of association
- Industrial relations – strategy and litigation
- Occupational health and safety – including critical incident management advice; policy implementation and defending prosecutions
- Privacy
- Transmission of business
- Workers compensation
- Workplace agreements (including individual contracts) – planning and implementation
- 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 Fair Work Act.
For further information, contact David Thompson.