Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grants
Does your business need help with human resource advice during these challenging times? Round two of the Queensland Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grants has been announced, with applications opening on 1 July 2020. Aimed at helping businesses affected by COVID-19, the Queensland Government is offering grants of up to $10K and money can be used for a […]
Redundancies and employer financial hardship
With the ongoing effects of COVID-19, some businesses are looking at reducing staff, including making redundancies. When this occurs, employers typically refer to the National Employment Standards to calculate the redundancy package (also known as severance pay). But what if your business is experiencing financial hardship and cannot pay? Firstly, it’s important to note that where employees […]
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and key employment changes
In almost every area of the law, there have been changes to existing rules and procedures to help deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This is especially true in employment law. Set out below are some of the key changes to legislation and modern awards that have been introduced over the last week that employers need to be […]
Having an open mind while recruiting
Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, it pays to keep an open mind while you are recruiting. Being hung up on a small detail… could mean you miss something fantastic. So, what common hangups do we see? Our resident expert, Joy has some insights from both sides of the recruitment fence. If you’re […]
What happens during annual leave if your employee gets sick?
Planning an Easter holiday? With less than one month on the calendar, now is the time to encourage your employees to get their annual leave paperwork rolling. BUT what happens if your employee’s holiday plans get placed on hold because they get sick? Can they opt to take sick leave instead or is it a […]
Changing employee classifications and back pay
Do you understand changing employee classifications and back pay obligations? We were recently asked the following question. QUESTION An employee has taking on some higher-level tasks. Because of this, I am in the process of changing them from a level 2 classification to a level 3. Am I required to back pay them or it is […]
Determining an employee’s classification level
Do you know how to determine an employee’s classification level if they complete a varied workload? We recently answered this common, small business question. QUESTION In my small business, our receptionist also processes our financial transactions and completes payroll. Should I be paying them based on their reception role or something else? ANSWER To […]
Restaurant Award changes
Changes to the Restaurant Award came into effect from the first full pay period on or after 23 January 2020. So, as an employer what do you need to know? Casual employees who work more than 10 hours are now entitled to the same number of paid meal breaks as full-time and part-time employees working […]
Mobile phones and driving employer provided vehicles
Do your employees drive a company vehicle? New penalties are now in place across Queensland when using mobile phones. So, what exactly does this mean and is there anything you should be doing as an employer? Any person caught touching their mobile phone while driving will face $1,000 fine and four demerit points. Double demerits […]
New Year HR Tip | Position Descriptions and their benefits
Do you provide your employees with position descriptions OR do you prefer to adopt a more *flexible* approach? The truth is, position descriptions offer many business benefits. Drive employee ownership. Set clear expectations and priorities. Help trace the skills and abilities you seek for the position. Well-written job descriptions complement the hiring process, supporting sound […]