Log in or become a subscriber

In a decision that highlights the consequences of "haphazard" and "reactive" HR practices, the Fair Work Commission has allowed an employee to dispute his dismissal after finding his fixed-term employment unintentionally became permanent.

The public health officer was hastily employed by Victoria's Department of Health in August 2020, on a fixed-term contract that expired on 31 December 2020. It took more than 11 weeks before he received his first pay packet. He initially worked in the employer's hotel quarantine unit, but went on to be an acting team leader on multiple occasions.

In September, the employer informed workers that it was extending all pre-existing fixed-term contracts to 30 June 2021 – provided there were no documented performance or conduct issues. The employee sought confirmation this applied to him but received no response...