The distinction between whether a worker is properly characterised as an employee or an independent contractor can be difficult – and has important consequences. In two significant decisions in 2022 the High Court clarified the test for determining the relationship between a business and its workers. It means that businesses should ensure they have clear written contracts with their workers that comprehensively set out their relationship.
2023 and the year of the return to the office: obligations on employers
Susan Moran15/03/2023
Since the pandemic began in 2020 employers and their employees have had to navigate the issue of employees working from home. In 2023, can employers require their employees to return to the office?
10 things you need to know about workplace relations reform: the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022
Susan Moran05/12/2022
The Federal Government’s highly anticipated Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 (Bill) passed Parliament on 2 December 2022. Whilst not yet in operation we summarise the top 10 changes now on the horizon.
Proposed amendments to family and domestic leave introduced to Parliament
Susan Moran17/08/2022
On 28 July 2022, the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022 (the Bill) was introduced to Parliament. The Bill proposes to insert an entitlement to 10 days’ paid family and domestic violence leave each year into the National Employment Standards.
End of temporary COVID-19 relief allows creditors to pursue those outstanding bad debts
Susan Moran11/11/2021
In response to the economic impacts of COVID-19, the Federal Government introduced measures to act as a safety net to assist businesses in surviving the crisis and returning to normal business operations. As a result, many creditors have withheld from chasing payments for debts that are now well and truly overdue. In this article, Susan Moran, Principal of our Dispute Resolution and Litigation practice, explores how a statutory demand can be used to recover money owed.
