People

The Fair Work Ombudsman has updated its advice regarding mandatory vaccinations in the workplace, and has released a new four-tiered approach.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has fined the operators of a Melbourne cupcake business $49,896 for underpaying their employees, following a surprise audit by inspectors.

The High Court has clarified that if the employment contract genuinely reflects a casual engagement, this will be recognised by the courts.

Without the JobKeeper directions of last year, many businesses have had no choice but to stand down large parts of their workforce. 

Small business groups support a push by industry to have temporary industrial relations flexibilities reinstated in a bid to support employers through the country's latest wave of coronavirus lockdowns.

The AWU’s case will be heard on Tuesday, where the union says it will argue the Horticulture Award should be amended so that every worker on every farm is entitled to the minimum casual rate of pay.

Reinstatement as a primary remedy should be seriously considered by employers when deciding whether to terminate an employee.

Small businesses encouraging staff to get the COVID-19 jab should take note of privacy obligations and consider offering bonuses or leave. 

A recent example of a FWC decision demonstrates why employees should not operate on the assumption that the only possible consequence of dismissing an employee is that they may be ordered to pay them compensation.

The legal ground in Australia for employers to insist that employees be vaccinated remains murky.