Unfair dismissal claims are becoming easier to lodge, with AI, online tools and greater access to Fair Work information changing the landscape for employers. This article explains what is driving the increase, where small businesses are most exposed, and the practical steps business owners can take to reduce risk before a dismissal becomes a formal claim.

"I just want them gone".... Dismissal can feel like a straightforward option when an employee isn't performing or behaving appropriately, but the risks aren't always obvious. Before you dismiss an employee, it is worth understanding where employers commonly get caught, from unfair dismissal and general protections claims to poor documentation and process mistakes. This article explains what to check before making a final decision...

Hiring someone new is an investment. It costs time, money, and energy. A probation period gives you space to assess whether the role is the right fit, and whether the person is the right fit for your business. But probation doesn’t necessarily mean 'risk free'. In this article, we'll look at what to be aware of, and how to manage probation periods properly...

HR should make running your business easier - not add more stress. Yet for many small businesses, HR becomes that “to-do later” task that sits in the background, creating uncertainty, frustration, and risk. Good HR support can change that. When HR is clear, practical, and aligned with how your business actually works, everything becomes easier: communication, performance, recruitment, compliance, culture, and day-to-day operations. That’s what we bring to the businesses we pa

When an employee suddenly resigns or you need to let someone go, one of the first questions that comes up is: 'How much notice should be given?' Notice periods can feel confusing, especially when you’re juggling contracts, awards, and the Fair Work Act. But once you understand the rules and how to apply them, they can help you manage staff transitions smoothly and fairly. In this article, we’ll look at: What a notice period actually is Statutory notice periods under the Natio

Most business owners don’t think about HR until they’re tied up dealing with a staff issue they didn’t see coming. Whether it’s someone not pulling their weight, a tricky dismissal, or confusion about entitlements, people problems can chew up your time and leave you feeling unsure about what you can and can’t do. HR is not just about policies or paperwork. Good HR support helps you stay compliant, avoid Fair Work encounters and costly legal issues, lift performance, and cr

Redundancy happens when a business no longer needs a particular job to be done by anyone. In practice, this can occur if your company restructures, slows down, introduces new technology, or closes part of the business. Under the Fair Work Act and National Employment Standards (NES), a redundancy is only genuine if the role itself truly ceases to exist. A “genuine redundancy” requires three conditions, and if these conditions aren't met, you risk a legal claim...

If you’re running a small or medium business, you’ve probably used a probationary period clause in your employment contracts. But don’t...

If you’re a business owner in Australia, the mere mention of "unfair dismissal" no doubt increases the stress levels. The thought of a...

If you employ casual staff, you might assume that ending their employment is simple: when the work dries up, you just stop offering...

Every leader has been there – an employee resigns, and you’re left wondering why. Some schedule an exit interview. Others don’t bother,...

Adverse action claims might sound like a legal buzzword, but for Australian businesses, understanding them is crucial. These claims can...

Having a clear grasp of the concept of "reasonable management action" is crucial as it plays a significant role in employee performance...

Procedural fairness is essential for employers in managing misconduct and underperformance, safeguarding against legal disputes.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently reviewed a case involving an employee who alleged she was compelled to resign from her position...

In today's dynamic job market, redundancies have become increasingly prevalent. A redundancy, also known as being laid off or made...

In a recent case reviewed by the Fair Work Commission (FWC), an example emerged regarding the dismissal of an employee by their former...

Fair Work reminds us: keeping evidence is key in unfair dismissal cases. Case Overview Unfair Dismissal Claim Allegation Piacentini &...

Earlier this week, I facilitated a training session on " Managing Poor Performance & Misconduct " with a brilliant group of senior...

If someone is late once, it shouldn't be a big deal and get them in trouble. However, if they're frequently late, then it becomes a...