January Newsletter
Lastest News - Fair Work Act, What do you need to know from 1 January, 2010?
With businesses and managers focused on the economic crisis over the last 12 months, “according to a national benchmark study into SME preparedness for the Fair Work Act, 47% of organisations with 50-200 employees believe management does not have a good understanding of the key changes to be introduced in the final phase of the Fair Work Act.” (HR Leader - November, 2009)
Is your New Year’s Business Resolution to minimise your risk? The final phase of the Fair Work Act changes came in to affect on 1 January, 2010 .. Happy New Year?! Here’s what you need to know:
• National Employment Standards (NES)
• Fair Work Information Statement
• Modern Awards
• Transition to Modern Awards
• Sole traders, partnerships & others moving into the national system include State specific changes
What are the 10 National Employment Standards (NES)?
1. Maximum weekly hours of work
2. Requests for flexible working arrangements
3. Parental leave and related entitlements
4. Annual leave
5. Personal / carer’s leave and compassionate leave
6. Community service leave
7. Long service leave
8. Public holidays
9. Notice of termination and redundancy pay
10. Provision of a Fair Work Information Statement
Hiring new staff?
One of the changes that will affect all hiring managers is the Fair Work Information Statement. All new employees must be provided with a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement on commencement of employment, a practical idea is to attach it to their letter of offer. Note Information Statements are available in a number of languages from www.fairwork.gov.au .
The right for new employees to receive the Statement is one of 10 minimum standards in the National Employment Standards (NES) that apply to employment of employees. Together with Modern Awards, the NES provides a new safety net for employees covered by the national workplace relations system from 1 January 2010 (Fair Work Online). Failure to provide this to a new employee before, or as soon as possible after the employee starts employment can lead to significant penalties for your business. Click here for the link to the Fair Work Information Statement.
What are your obligations as an employer following 1 January 2010?
As an employer, you must:
• give each new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before, or as soon as practicable after, the employee commences employment
• meet minimum rates of pay in a modern award or national minimum wage order
• meet terms and conditions of the applicable modern award, if one exists and applies
• meet the terms and conditions of the National Employment Standards (NES).
Reference: FAQs, Fair Work Online
Tips for Compliance from 1 January, 2010 – all employers need to:
• Review the Fair Work Information Statement and ensure both you and your hiring managers understand and are trained in its content and application in the workplace
• Add the Fair Work Information Statement to your Letters of Offer and Induction program/kits for new employees
• Ensure your management team understand how the 10 National Employment Standards affects your existing Employment Contracts and policies. Note: The Modern Awards and NES will also impact on businesses that already have common law contracts, individual statutory agreements, and collective agreements, in place.
• Consider an implementation strategy for any updates to workplace policies and employment contracts for Fair Work compliance including NES and your relevant Modern Award.
For further information and support with Fair Work Act compliance and a free Employment Contract review click here to contact us.
Careers and Jobs@Garner
Is 2010 the Year to take control of your career?
Have you ever thought that there may be a reason why dinosaurs went extinct millions of years ago and yet mice and beetles have survived to this day? There is something to be said for being the little guy in challenging times. If 2009 taught us anything it was that big is not necessarily better, nor is it safer.
Starting you own business is risky, but the recent economic turmoil suggests that we should recalibrate our notions of safety. The working world used to be divided into safe but boring jobs, and exciting but risky ones. Of late, many of the supposedly safe professions have been decimated – which should help us let go of illusions of safety.
If starting your own business is something that you have always considered but have never taken any real steps towards, perhaps 2010 is the year.
It may be the best decision you ever make.
It may not be a Coaching or Consulting business but you owe it to yourself to explore your options.
To request a copy of the Business Profiler Guide please email >>
Alternatively, for your opportunity to complete an independent psychometric profile, please contact Garry on m: 0409 17 13 17 // p: 1300 856 930 or email us >>
Group HR Manager
An outstanding opportunity to become an integral member of a management team dedicated to long term strategy and business growth. Genuine Senior Management position. Read More
Health and Well Being
FREE Health Care Checks by Nabenet - 15 mins could prevent chronic diseases!
Nabenet, on behalf of Worksafe (Victoria only), are conducting free work place health checks at your workplace.
The aim of the worker health check is to identify individuals who are at risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Through early intervention, chronic diseases can be prevented or their impact reduced through lifestyle modifications. The 15 minute private and voluntary assessment is conducted by a qualified health professional.
For eligibility, information or to download the “Worker Health Check” application form visit http://nabenet.com.au/health/worker-health-checks/
New Year’s resolutions – A dreamer or Doer?
For those of you who know Garry and I, you would be aware we are very focused around living a fit and healthy lifestyle albeit relaxed over the holidays. One of our favourite fitness guru’s is Craig Harper. His opening blog for the new year included the following, which I am sure will give you some ‘food for thought’:
So, did you get fat? Lean? Motivated? Grumpy? Happy? Frustrated? Inspired? Creative? Did you relax or stress? Perhaps both; depending on the day? Did you drink your own bodyweight in alcohol? Did you make any (potentially) life-changing decisions and resolutions? Have you kept them? Are you excited about what you will do, be and create over the next eleven and a half months or are you ‘resigned’ to the bleak reality of your life? Are you choosing your attitude, your reality and your destiny or are you simply reacting, coping and surviving? In 2010 will you be a victim or a victor? A dreamer or a doer? A reactor or a creator?
... keep in mind that your 2010 has ... everything to do with your attitude, decisions, behaviours, resilience and ability to finish what you start. Your ability to find a way, not an excuse. To be the solution-finder and not the problem-obsessor. We don’t stumble into success, we create it and we don’t find happiness – it finds us when we allow it to. www.craigharper.com.au
Fitness Programs – Individual or Corporate
Can you find a way to spend 2 hours a week to improve your fitness? What a great way to kick off and fulfil that New Year’s resolution!
Many businesses are looking for ways to motivate their staff as well as build a strong team spirit. Our training alliance is running an 8 week program, 2 nights a week to suit all levels of fitness for both individuals or Corporate Groups, which will include:
• Pre & Post Fitness Assessments
• Food diary
• Variety
• Adventure Days
• Email / Sms contact
• Results
For further information on the programs week commencing 1 February or customise your own business program send us an email at business@garnersolutions.com.au
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