Read up on the latest news from McDonald Murholme, including case updates and legal commentary.
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
Fair Work Commission rules in favour of employer as former IGA supermarket worker was dismissed for taking items home without paying. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Bianca Mazzarella highlights the importance of clear policies and understanding internal hierarchies. See the article below for more information. Former IGA supermarket worker loses unfair dismissal case after taking items
Her Fashion Box will face court over allegations it ran an unlawful unpaid internship program and underpaid three staff members over $40,000. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Trent Hancock discusses the need for employers to be wary when developing unpaid internship programs and to cooperate with the FWO if any breaches are found. See below article for
The former operator of two Sushi Kuni outlets in QLD and NSW have been personally fined for the underpayment of five employees in 2015. McDonald Murholme Principal Andrew Jewell discusses the impact that the actions of an employer may have on any penalty awarded by the Fair Work Ombudsman. See below article for further details.
Redundancies are commonplace within a modern working environment and can be a stressful and unsettling time. McDonald Murholme Lawyer Andrew Jewell discusses the responsibilities of an employee once they have been made redundant. See below article for further details. What they don’t tell you about being made redundant – Fairfax Watching others slog it out
Australians are remaining in the workforce for a longer period of time, resulting in an aging workforce. McDonald Murholme Managing Director, Alan McDonald, talks to 50 So What about the threat of age discrimination in the workplace and unlawful retrenchment. See below article for more information. Retrenched Because Of Your Age? Here Are Your Legal
Melbourne’s leading Employment Law Firm, McDonald Murholme has been awarded the Acquisition International 2016 Global Excellence Award for Most Outstanding Employment Law Firm. Acquisition International 2016 Global Excellence Awards recognises firms who display continuity in unparalleled performance and are at the forefront of their industry. As McDonald Murholme continues to lead in employment law
Founder and managing director of McDonald Murholme, Alan McDonald, has been awarded the ACQ5 Law Award for Employment Lawyer of the Year. The ACQ Annual Award Program recognises industry leaders who have achieved commercial success, of which Mr McDonald has been leading for over 20 years, within the employment law space. Mr McDonald has been
International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was held on May 17 2017 to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally. Principal Lawyer Andrew Jewell comments on the implications of a workplace not being accepting of those who identify as LGBTI. See below article for further details: PwC bites again;
An Unfair Dismissal claim has been thrown out by the Fair Work Commission after finding expletive-filled emails were fair grounds for termination. McDonald Murholme Managing Director, Alan McDonald, discusses the merit of the claim with Smart Company. See below article for more information. Fair Work Commission clears Murdoch University over decision to fire employee who
Leading employment law firm, McDonald Murholme has been awarded the esteemed Wealth and Finance – Best Industrial Law Firm – Victoria. The Wealth and Finance Legal Awards recognise legal professionals who are increasingly having to adapt to ever evolving legislation and regulation, and, as a result, are having to constantly update their skills. McDonald Murholme
Outback steakhouse has been caught paying staff as much as 50% below the award rates, under the guise of a traineeship. McDonald Murholme Lawyer Bianca Mazzarella discusses how business can lawfully use traineeships and prevent the underpayment of workers. See below article for further details. Restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse accused of underpaying workers via traineeship
The Fair Work Commission has sided with a dismissed employee who wrote an offensive Facebook post. McDonald Murholme Senior Associate Trent Hancock speaks to SmartCompany about the procedural deficiencies and lack of social media policies that led to the decision. See below article for more information “Disgraceful”: Business owner speaks out after Fair Work sides
George Calombaris repays $2.6 million to over 150 employees after a systematic underpayment. McDonald Murholme Principal Lawyer, Andrew Jewell talks to SmartCompany about the magnitude of the case creating awareness for employees who may be underpaid. See the article below for further details. George Calombaris “devastated”, repays workers $2.6 million after “poor processes” lead to
When startups begin to recruit workers, contracting arrangements are common when assessing the company’s needs. McDonald Murholme Principal Andrew Jewell discusses the best way for employers to ensure they are not breaking any employment laws when working arrangements change. See below article here if you are interested. Contractors vs employees: how to know the difference
The “Record My Hours” app allows employees to track and record the amount of time they spend at work, registering when they arrive and leave the workplace. McDonald Murholme Principal Lawyer Andrew Jewell comments on how the app shouldn’t change a business’ obligations to accurately keep time records. See below article for further details. Fair
Many employees under 30 years old do not know their workplace rights. McDonald Murholme lawyer Bianca Mazzarella comments on sham contracting and how young workers are getting trapped. See below article for further details. How to make sure you’re not getting ripped off at work – News.com.au IF YOU’RE under 30 and employed in hospitality
McDonald Murholme Managing Director Alan McDonald explores how the Fair Work Commission’s penalty rate cuts will affect your business and employees. See below article for more details. How the Fair Work Commission’s penalty rate cuts will affect your business and employees The Fair Work Commission recently ruled that Sunday and public holiday penalty rates will
