Employers looking to implement workplace drug and alcohol testing must ensure that the process is completely transparent to avoid possible litigation - especially when it comes to sacking workers who test positive to prohibited substances, says Harmers Workplace Lawyers partner, Jamie Robinson. » more »
The volatile economy makes it crucial that employers consider whether their compliance program is up-to-date and appropriate for the current market, according to lawyer Randal Dennings. » more »
Employers should develop workplace surveillance policies to avoid the risk of breaching privacy legislation and copping heavy fines - whether they intend to monitor staff or not, according to Harmers Workplace Lawyers senior associate, Bronwyn Maynard. » more »
"Gardening leave" clauses in employment contracts can be an effective means to keep company secrets out of competitors' hands and prevent departing employees from disrupting the workplace, providing they are not enforced for an "unreasonable" length of time, according to a senior employment lawyer. » more »
Do you know which background checks are relevant to the roles you're recruiting? Screening specialist Peter Stackpole explains when each type of check is warranted. » more »
The proposed national IR laws broaden employers' exposure to discrimination claims and might lead to bigger payouts in some jurisdictions, a senior workplace lawyer says. » more »
Concealing a company's shaky financial position from employees during the economic downturn could be grounds for an unfair dismissal case should redundancies ensue, according to a workplace lawyer. » more »
Employees with children will for the first time have a legislated right to request flexibility in their work arrangements, while employers will have a countervailing right to refuse requests on "reasonable business grounds", if the federal government's new industrial relations bill becomes law. » more »
Employers must implement an efficient and accessible sexual-harassment complaints process if they are to avert the devastating impact that sexual harassment can have on a company's morale and bottom line. » more »
The Federal Government's new unfair dismissal laws and bargaining framework - replacing elements of the Work Choices regime - will come into force from July 2009, Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard has announced. » more »
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HR has never been so challenged, important and busy, with no signs of slowing down as we head into 2021. Will you be ready?
