Read up on the latest news from McDonald Murholme, including case updates and legal commentary.
Woolworths supermarkets has been ordered to pay a former worker $231,000 in compensation after he appealed a court decision relating to a shoulder injury he sustained while working. McDonald Murholme Managing Director Alan McDonald comments on the need for businesses to be regularly audited by external safety advisors so process issues are caught early. See
Employee’s beginning a new role will usually be set a probationary period of three or six months. This allows both parties to decide whether the employee is suited to the position. Principal Lawyer Andrew Jewell comments on the legality surrounding probation periods and the barriers employers will face if choosing to extend an employee’s probationary period.
Former first aid manager at Crown Casino, Audrey Gatt is alleging that staff were told to ignore a domestic violence incident and another where a chef was left with serious burns. Ms Gatt had also made more than 20 occupational health and safety complaints in her five months of service before her dismissal. McDonald Murholme
A former 7-Eleven store operator has been penalised $168,000 for underpaying eight staff to increase company profit, not in result of cash flow issues. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Bianca Mazzarella contends that even if a company is struggling financially, it is not an excuse to disregard Fair Work laws. See below article for further details.
Spanish Health Minister, Dolors Montserrat has criticised Iberia Airlines for inappropriate pre-employment tests for women. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate, Bianca Mazzarella discusses women’s workplace rights when faced with gender discrimination. See below article for more information. Spanish Airline Asked Flight Attendant Applicants To Take Pregnancy Test A Spanish airline has been hit with a hefty
The perfect work environment is created not only through aesthetics, but also ensuring clear internal policies to create a safe working environment. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate, Bianca Mazzarella talks to mydeal.com.au about the importance of transparency and a safe working environment. See below article for more information. 4 Ways To Create The Perfect Work Environment There
The modern workplace can be a stressful place for employees, who can feel increasing pressure to remain connected and work until late at night. McDonald Murholme Principal Lawyer Andrew Jewell discusses an employee’s right to take time off, to help achieve a healthy work/life balance. See below article for further details. 6 Ways To Create
Spanish Airline, Iberia Airlines, has been fined for gender discrimination against female employees who were asked to submit to a pregnancy test prior to gaining employment. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate, Bianca Mazzarella, talks to Business Chicks about the prevalence of gender discrimination in the Australian workforce. See below article for more information Aussie workplaces continue
A Gold Coast security firm has allegedly taken unlawful adverse action against 3 employees and underpaid staff almost $16,000. Principal lawyer Andrew Jewell comments on the need for employers to watch penalty rates more closely if employees are working late, or have irregular working hours. Please see below article for more information. Security firm accused
In certain industries, a job offer to a prospective employee can be refused if their criminal record relates to the nature of the work. Principal lawyer Andrew Jewell comments on employee rights when seeking employment with a criminal background. See the below article for more information. Criminal background checks and obtaining employment – what you
Well known ride-sharing app, Uber, has brought workplace safety into the spotlight after 215 workplace violations were exposed. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Trent Hancock explains the importance of an employer’s obligations to a safe working environment. See below article for more information Uber flashes headlights on employment laws Well known ride-sharing app, Uber, has been
For a working mother, bringing a bundle of joy into the world is nothing short of exciting. It is important to let your workplace know you’re expecting and organise relevant leave. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Bianca Mazzarella highlights an employee’s eligibility and entitlements when taking parental leave. See the below article for more information. Taking
The 2016-2017 financial year is coming to an end, and employees are working unpaid overtime, hastily tying up loose ends. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Trent Hancock highlights that employers must tread carefully when asking staff to work unpaid overtime, to ensure they abide by the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth.) See the
The Federal Government is considering a bounty-style reward worth millions of dollars for employees who disclose illegal conduct by a company. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Bianca Mazzarella comments on how the regime would definitely irk employers, as it would prevent them from investigation situations involving whistleblowers. Please see below article for more information. Whistleblower proposal
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently released a survey revealing that most Australians work more than the statutory maximum of 38 hours per week. McDonald Murholme lawyer, Bianca Mazzarella, discusses the legality of overtime hours with HC Online on the back of this survey. See below article for further details. With ABS statistics showing
A study of 3,100 jobseekers found 80 per cent of respondents over the age of 50 believed they were treated differently because of their age. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Andrew Jewell highlights that the Fair Work Act user guide serves as a free and accessible resource to those who have been affected. See below article
A Melbourne architectural and construction business has lost its bid to overturn an unfair dismissal ruling after sacking a domestic violence victim. McDonald Murholme Lawyer Trent Hancock weighed in emphasising that employers need to make better attempts to understand the position of employees who are victims of domestic violence See below article for further details. Domestic
Men’s Health Week started on June 12th with a theme of Healthy Body-Healthy Mind: Keeping the balance. Principal lawyer Andrew Jewell comments on the need for employers to support and be made aware of suffering employees, as well as the need to promote a healthy mind, body as well as work/life balance. How to improve
The Fair Work Ombudsman has fined a Sydney-based cleaning company $447,300 for underpaying workers in sham contract arrangements. McDonald Murholme Principal Andrew Jewell discusses the importance of regularly reviewing the nature of contractual arrangements with workers. See the below article for more information. Sydney company ordered to pay $447,300 for underpaying workers but says it
An Aldi employee claims to have worked for free to pay off “negative hours” as he was not given enough shifts to complete his contracted hours. Principal Lawyer Andrew Jewell highlights that employers should take extreme care not to treat their permanent part time employees like casuals when it comes to shift arrangements. See article
