October Newsletter

• Can your business afford a $33,000 penalty?
• Can your Directors afford $6,600 each?

Penalties often exceed the breach!

These are the maximum penalties the Fair Work Ombudsman, the watchdog to the new Fair Work Act 2009 can impose per offence for breaches of the Act that commenced on 1 July, 2009. Let me give you an example, Ballarat employer fined more than $105,000 for underpaying an apprentice more than $15,000. The sole director has received penalties of $13,200 personally and the business $92,400. For the full media release and other cases from Fair Work Australia, click here>>

Ignorance will not be bliss! There is just over 10 weeks to go the next until 1 January, 2010 when the next phase of the Fair Work Act will take effect, including the National Employment Standards (NES) and Moderns Awards. Whilst most business owners do not intentionally choose to underpay their staff, it is usually a case of having incorrect and outdated policies, procedures and employment contracts.

For more information on updating your policies and a free employment contract review contact Garner Business Solutions on 1300 856 930 or email business@garnersolutions.com.au

Australian Business is prepared for a Rapid Recovery - The Competition for Staff is Back

Positive signs are creeping back into the psyche of the Business sector. The HR Coach Research Institute has found that businesses, in anticipation of economic recovery, are moving into preparation mode. The sector has focused on business improvement strategies over the past quarter in readiness for growth.

Capital expenditure has suffered because of this short term view, in relation to return on investment strategies, and innovation and new technology have not been a focus.

The general business outlook, moving into the last quarter of 2009 is upbeat, with expectations of increase in value of sales and profitability as well as an expectation of increased head count.

In other positive signs for the economy, business owners and managers are anticipating heightened wage expectations and increasing competition for staff. This may be a precursor to a rapid recovery.
HR Coach, October, 2009

To download the HR Quarterly Index Report for October 2009 click here.