Biz Momentum Blog

BUSINESSES will be forced to employ minimum numbers of females in the workplace under new laws being considered by the Federal Government. 

Bosses employing 15 or more people will be required to report on the gender balance in the workplace under proposals in a new government commissioned report.

We are often asked whether you can direct an employee to take excess annual leave.  In certain circumstances you can so long as the award covering their employment permits it coupled with a reasonable notice period.

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Biz Momentum offer coaching and mentoring via personal visits, telephone or SKYPE Australia wide and internationally.

We have experienced and skilled business practitioners who can assist you, your employees or business in goal setting, career management, business structures, accounting, finance, human resources, employee relations, dispute resolution and many other areas.

To see how we can help you contact our head office on 61 7 3349 5662 or info (AT) Biz-momentum.com

Accountants were previously viewed as award free however are subject to a new modern award from 1 January 2010.

The award gives classifications, scope for flexibility of conditions, a default casual loading of 25% along with phasing in and transitional terms and conditions.

We have attached a copy of the new award.

This information is provided as a service to you by Philip Lye, CEO of Biz Momentum www.biz-momentum.com

MIscellaneous Award for Accountants

You must register your apprenticeships as soon as you can. Failing to do so in the event you are investigated and your apprentice is not registered you will be forced to pay hefty back payments in wages and conditions and your apprentice will have to commence their apprenticeship from day one.

This information has been provided to you by Philip Lye of Biz Momentum. Visit us at www.biz-momentum.com

A new tranche of requirements come into play under the Fair Work Act 1 January 2010.

Can you answer the following:

1.   Will my business be covered by a new modern award on 1 January 2010

2.    If so which award;

3.   Am I required to comply with the National Employment Standards if I have common law agreements or Enterprise Bargaining Agreements made before that date;

4.    I understand my new obligations in respect to redundancy and termination of employment;

5.    I understand what unlawful dismissal is;

6.    I understand my obligations for record keeping;

7.    My employment agreements and policies and procedures are up to date with the new changes.

For assistance with all your employment requirements contact us at Biz Momentum, working Australia wide www.biz-momentum.com

This information has been provided to you as information only by Philip Lye CEO of Biz Momentum.

A requirement of the Fair Work Act is that all employers covered by the Act give their new employees who begin employment with them from 1 January 2009 a copy of the Fair Work Statement.

Biz Momentum has attached a copy for your information. For more information visit us at www.biz-momentum.com

Fair Work Information Statement

In an increasing trend companies are being fined in record numbers for non payment of overtime.

In one instance we were involved (after the matter had gone to far to resolve) the employer was required to pay $20,000 in back payments.

There are solutions to ensuring you are not subject to claims for unwarranted overtime as well as ensuring legitimate overtime is paid at the correct award rate.

This is as simple as a change to your employment agreement, update of policies and procedures and processes for authorisation of overtime.

Biz Momentum has assisted many companies avoid the trap of failing to pay or being forced to pay unauthorised overtime payments. For more information visit us  www.biz-momentum.com and contact to see how we can assist your business manage these risks.

Bullying is rampant in the Australian Hospitality industry and its management that are largely at fault. Many other industries face the same problems.

Believing that in a scarce economy where employees are afraid to complain they indulge in unacceptable and inappropriate behaviours such as:

·         Intimidation and harassment;

·         Blame shifting;

·         Lack of health & safety procedures;

·         Refusal to pay overtime and give rest breaks;

·         Intimating you will have your employment terminated if you make a complaint.

·         Many other matters.

In one high profile issue that involved multiple breaches of health and safety the company concerned appeared to work in collusions with a government department to harass and deprive the worker of statutory rights.

Employers are increasing being brought to task for these behaviours and fines and damages of significant amounts are being offered or settled before the matter goes public.

Bullying and harassment play no part in today’s workplace. For more information visit us at www.biz-momentum.com and contact to see how we can assist your business manage these risks.