While much of the recent public discussion has focussed on the risks of underpaying and questions about employees and contractors, work safety is an equally important issue that should not be ignored. This is a story about “vicious” cycles.  In the late 1990s, the CBDs of Australian cities were full of high-speed bicycles, propelled by […]

The changes which are likely to be the most controversial are those which, for the first time, expose franchisors to liability for breaches of the Act committed by their franchisees.

For many people the question, “who do I work for?” has a simple answer. However, the complexity of corporate groups will sometimes make this question very difficult indeed.

Everyone values initiative, right?  Well, almost right.  In the context of the termination of employment, the question of who has taken the initiative may determine whether an employee’s claim against them can succeed. Employers need to be careful in deciding to initiate termination of employment.  Even where the employer considers that there is no choice […]

The result of a recent Uber case in the UK raise the perennial contractor or employee debate. Will the affects of this landmark decision be felt elsewhere?

A recent case heard by the ECHR involved whether employers can monitor employee communications at work. But what does the law in Australia say?

Today, we hardly go anywhere without our smart devices. But now, their value takes on new meaning, as a recent case from the Fair Work Commission shows.

Most workers nowadays can make secret recordings of every conversation. And while it might not be illegal in some cases, it certainly has implications.

Most of us have days when the boss gets on our nerves, but can you safely vent about them to someone else over the phone or social media? A recent case shows you might want to think twice before sending that angry text.

“These are my personal opinions, not the opinions of my employer,” says the disclaimer on many social media accounts. Too right they are not the opinions of your employer – who has only one opinion on this point, and that is that you should be busy, rather than messing about on social media at work.