Contributing Author - Jeanetta Munro
In recent blogs, we have spoken about the actions which can get your business in front of the Fair Work Commission.
Fair Work have a range of free tools on their website www.fairwork.gov.au that can help companies comply, including
Companies can access the Fair Work Site to access free tools, download fact sheets or contact Fair Work directly for advice on pay, terms and conditions.
Companies should know which award/s apply to their employee’s, and whether you are meeting all obligations under that award. The Award sets the minimum terms and conditions for employees.
You should review employment contracts to ensure you are meeting minimum terms and conditions of the Award. If you are paying a salary or are under a workplace agreement, you should reconcile the amounts to ensure your employees are compensated for all relevant entitlements and are no worse off then what they would be under an Award.
Finally, if there are any breaches employers should immediately rectify breaches of minimum pay and conditions owing to employees. Do not ignore compliance notices issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Fair Work Ombudsman can (and will) prosecute both companies and individuals for breaches.
Sometimes, navigating the maze of industrial instruments which include Awards, Contracts and Agreements can be complex with the penalties for not getting “it right” considerable. If Companies are not sure how to comply then they should seek professional advice for a review to check current practices meet compliance.