Employment & Industrial Relations Law for Employers

One of the most important assets in any business is its workforce, whether it is its employees, independent contractors or consultants.

Payment of wages and consultancy fees can also be one of the highest expenses incurred in the operation of a business. It is of significant importance that employers properly document their workplace contracts and implement clear, compliant and practical workplace policies and procedures.

The laws and regulations applying to various aspects of the working environment are often complicated and extensive. Connolly Suthers provides a comprehensive employment and industrial relations service to its clients. Our experienced employment and industrial law department can assist you with all matters relating to the workplace relationships, from the initial recruitment process, through to the termination of the relationship. 

Area of expertise that Connolly Suthers can assist you with are as follows.

Workplace Documentation

Having well prepared and carefully documented workplace contracts, policies and procedures can not only reduce the possibility of disputes and conflicts arising, but can give rise to a more productive and efficient workforce. The majority of problems and disputes that arise in a workplace could be avoided by having appropriate documentation and policies in place.

We can assist you with amending your current, or preparing new, employment contracts, contractor agreements, consultancy agreements or workplace policies and procedures.

We can also assist you with providing advice on specific issues or proposed courses of action as they arise in your business. Obtaining advice as matters arise can often minimise risk and the possibility of claims arising. However, if a dispute arises then we can provide you with all relevant advices and assist you in bringing the dispute to the quickest resolution possible.

Dismissals/Redundancy:

The termination of an employee’s employment should never be taken lightly or be completed without first obtaining appropriate advices. In the absence of appropriate advice you run the risk of being involved in expensive and time-consuming litigation.

If the termination of an employee’s employment is not handled properly, the employee may be eligible to make an application to the Fair Work Commission for an unfair dismissal remedy, claiming an unlawful termination, for a general protection order, or one of the many other claims available to employees.

We can provide you with advice on the legal requirements and proper processes to be followed in termination of an employee’s employment.

Workplace Disputes:

Disputes will inevitably arise in the workplace. We can assist in all forms of disputes raised by employees to ensure that a resolution is concluded in the most cost effective and efficient manner.

Discrimination

Discrimination occurs when there is an unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex. It occurs when someone with a certain characteristic is treated less favourably than someone without that characteristic. Discrimination also occurs when an unreasonable policy applies in the workplace and it impacts more on a particular person or group of people because of a certain characteristic that they may have.

Understanding of the legal requirements relating to the anti-discrimination laws and having clear, compliant and practical workplace policies and procedures can significantly decrease the risk of engaging in discriminatory acts in the workplace. It can also significantly decrease the risk of discrimination claims being made against the business or the employer personally.

We can provide you with advice on the anti-discrimination laws and assist you in amending your current, or preparing new workplace policies and procedures.

While prevention is always better than cure, if a claim is made against your business or you personally then we have the expertise and experience to assist you in defending the claim and/or to reach a quick and cost-effective resolution.

Bullying and Harassment:

All employers should understand the rights and responsibilities relating to workplace bullying and harassment. We can provide you with advice on the workplace bullying and harassment laws and assist you in amending your current, or preparing new workplace policies and procedures.

We also have the expertise and experience to assist you in defending a bullying or harassment claim and/or reach a quick and cost-effective resolution.

If you require assistance with any employment matters, please call or email: