Australian jobs are far from being wiped out by automation, but employers are right to be concerned about a growing mismatch between the skills they need and those that will be available, researchers from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre say.
In the latest instalment in a long-running dispute, the Fair Work Commission has upheld the sacking of a worker who breached his employer's zero-tolerance alcohol policy. Also in this article, Fair Work amendments proposed for gig workers; fixes for Australia's "insecure work crisis"; workplace favouritism findings; and more.
Two new reports predict healthy growth in HR jobs over the coming years. Meanwhile, demand for contingent workers is waning; MBA programs are being overhauled; and more.
The high-profile dismissal of a South32 employee for workplace swearing has been overturned on appeal for being "harsh". Also in this article, new rulings on bullying and performance management; demand for contingent staff drops; APAC talent leaders are embracing gig workers; and more.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has successfully prosecuted a manager for accessorial liability relating to sham contracting, underpayments, and other breaches. Also in this article, a reminder on headcount ahead of payroll changes; new inquiries into jobs growth and workplace safety; and more.
Some longstanding assumptions about outer-limit contracts have been thrown into doubt in the wake of a decision finding a contract's non-renewal amounted to dismissal, an employment lawyer says.
The Fair Work Commission has found an employment relationship began the moment a contingent worker accepted an offer of direct employment, but has cleared the company of unfairly dismissing him when it withdrew its offer days later.
A casual worker employed on a 'temporary' assignment has been cleared to claim unfair dismissal, after the Fair Work Commission heard an extension of her contract had no end date.
It is "vital" that the gig market has regulation and a framework in the future of work, specialists say. Meanwhile a staffing industry association is considering promoting a new category of "dependent contractor", and universities want a review of education and skills mismatches.
Managing absent or incapacitated employees is always tough to get right, and myriad case law highlights the consequences of mishandling this area. Attend this HR Daily webinar for an up-to-date review of relevant legislation and rulings in this space.