For Employers: We have worked closely with a large number of local employers across a broad range of industries to understand their business needs and provide specialist and practical advice to improve the HR functions of their business. A common problem we encounter is employers thinking they pay “above the Award”. While this might be the case, without proper documentation in place employers are often left exposed to underpayment of wages claims. We also assist with:

• Compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 including with Modern Awards and National Employment Standards
• Drafting and negotiating Employment Agreements
• Rates of pay/under payment of wages
• How to respond to an audit by the Fair Work Ombudsman
• Employment litigation including unfair dismissal, general protection disputes and breach of contract
• Drafting, implementing and training as to workplace policies such as harassment and bullying
• Managing the employment relationship including disciplinary procedures, termination and redundancy
• Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety laws

For Employees: We work often with employees who have been terminated from their employment or who are having difficulties in the workplace such as being discriminated against, bullied, terminated without good reason or underpaid. We have successfully represented a number of employees before the Fair Work Commission and Federal Court in unfair dismissal and discrimination cases where the employees have been awarded compensation for being wrongly or unfairly terminated or discriminated against. We also assist with:

• Reviewing and negotiating Employment Agreements
• Rates of pay (including overtime, penalties and allowances)
• Responding or making a bullying, harassment or discrimination claim
• Representing you before the Commission or Federal Court in relation to an unfair dismissal, general protections or breach of contract complaint
• Attending with you at workplace meetings as your support person and providing advice around disciplinary procedures
• Negotiating exit and termination packages
• Superannuation, long service and annual leave enquiries/complaints