industrial relations

Monday, 25 March 2013 7:27am

When seeking to return an ill or injured employee to work, employers should be prepared to ask for - and provide - a great deal of detailed information, says employment lawyer Helen Donovan.

Friday, 22 March 2013 2:49pm

In this 20-minute Q&A, Herbert Smith Freehills senior associate Helen Donovan answers your questions about managing ill and injured employees.

Thursday, 28 February 2013 7:20am

Employers should carefully monitor and manage how much discretionary sick leave they provide to employees following an injury or illness, according to employment lawyer Helen Donovan.

Tuesday, 19 February 2013 7:29am

The dispute between Qantas and unions that led to the grounding of its fleet in 2011 has only been resolved "in theory", and is evidence that Australia's industrial relations system is ineffective and out-dated, says Macquarie University professor Paul Gollan.

Friday, 08 February 2013 3:47pm

Do you know how to obtain an honest, reliable account from a complainant after a workplace incident? Watch this webcast to learn which steps to take.

The presentation, by WISE Workplace founder and expert interviewer Harriet Stacey, covers:

• the aim of the complainant interview;
• the nature of incidents reported by complainants;
• the role of memory;
• cognitive interviewing strategies;
• applying the PEACE model to complainant interviews; and
• recording interviews.

Monday, 15 October 2012 7:06am

In the event of an unfair dismissal claim from an injured worker, a solid paper trail is a critical element of an employer's defence, says Mills Oakley lawyer Luke Connolly - but when it comes to constructing one, many don't know where to start.

Thursday, 20 September 2012 7:17am

Engaging contingent labour purely to save costs is fraught with risks, so employers should ensure they use contractors for the "right" reasons, and take adequate steps to protect themselves against claims, says employment lawyer Nick Duggal.

Tuesday, 11 September 2012 2:08pm

The High Court's Barclay ruling should "put employers' minds at ease" about their ability to successfully defend an adverse action claim, say Kemp Strang employment lawyers.

In this podcast, Lisa Berton and Nick Noonan discuss the importance of the case; its practical implications; and the key steps employers should take to minimise the risk of facing or losing an adverse action claim.

Monday, 10 September 2012 7:20am

In a judgment that will be welcomed by employers, the High Court has ruled that an employer did not breach the Fair Work Act's adverse action provisions when it took disciplinary action against a union representative.

Thursday, 06 September 2012 7:28am

Assessing employees for redundancy on the basis of "subjective" selection criteria requires extra care to avoid adverse action and other claims, warns Freehills senior associate Natalie Spark.