When Do You Need A Workplace Lawyer?

When Do You Need A Workplace Lawyer?

Businesses in Australia are facing one of the most complex and volatile times in workplace relations law. From July 1 2010, 85% of Australia’s employers need to increase minimum wages and comply with new allowances, loadings and penalties under new Modern Awards.

A recent survey of 3000 businesses conducted by The EI Group, found that over 65% feel either confused or very confused about the affect of the new laws on their business.

“Our workplace lawyers have been helping employers with workplace relations and employment law issues for 20 years and I cannot recall seeing people this confused before. I really feel that employers need more help than ever from workplace solicitors to understand these changes and find ways to stay compliant.” Ben Thompson, CEO, The EI Group

Workplace lawyers can assist businesses in the following areas:

• National Employment Standards – Workplace lawyers can ensure your business is complaint with maximum hours, requests for flexible working conditions, parental leave and annual leave, personal and carer’s leave, community service leave, work on public holidays and notice of termination and redundancy obligations.

• Enterprise Agreement making – Workplace solicitors can draft and lodge Enterprise Agreements and appear before Fair Work Australia on related matters. Enterprise Agreements give you stability by allowing you to bed down the workplace conditions and wages for your employees for up to 4 years.

• Unfair dismissal and unlawful terminations – Getting good advice from workplace lawyers before terminating or making an employee redundant can save you having to defend a costly claim for unfair dismissal or unlawful termination. Workplace lawyers can give you advice and represent you in court.

• Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination – Workplace solicitors can assist with legal advice and legal representation relating to disability discrimination, sexual harassment, age discrimination and racial discrimination

• Industrial Relations – Workplace solicitors can liaise with Fair Work Australia, give advice on good faith bargaining and protected industrial action.

• Drafting of Employment Contracts – Workplace lawyers can ensure that your employment contracts comply with the National Employment Standards and draft new agreements or revise existing agreements.

• Under Payment of Wages Claims – Workplace lawyers can give you advice and representation on any potential wages claim

• Legal Representation – Workplace solicitors can represent you in court for any workplace related issue.

During these volatile times in workplace relations and employment law, informing yourself up front about your businesses’ legal rights, options and obligations can save you headache down the line.

The EI Group is a leading provider of small and medium sized business solutions covering areas such as law, HR and employee motivation. Visit out website at www.TheEIGroup.com.au to find out how we can help your business prosper.