The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is reminding businesses about the latest industrial relations (IR) changes that come into effect from today. These changes will affect the rights of casual employees, contractors, as well as their right to disconnect from work outside regular hours.
COSBOA launched its Small Business Peak Program last month in Hobart, with the aim to support small businesses in navigating these updates. COSBOA is encouraging all small businesses to connect, sign up and learn more about the Program which has been specifically designed to assist businesses to navigate the recent IR changes in an easy to understand and practical format.
“Our Small Business Peak Program provides employers with information and guidance on minimum workplace rights and responsibilities. This includes today’s IR changes. These changes affect casual jobs, the ability to switch to part-time or full-time work and fundamental rules about communication within the workplace.” COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat said.
Under the Closing Loopholes No.2 Act, the following changes start today:
· Changes to casual employment including;
o New definition of casual employee
o Casual conversion rights
· Changes to the definition of employment
· Right to Disconnect – For employers with 15 or more employees
Other changes also commence on 26 August 2024 that only affect certain categories of employers. These include laws about unfair contract terms, workplace delegates rights, road transport regulation and the regulation of employee-like workers.
A national survey of the business community found:
· 64.7% didn’t know or were unaware of what’s required under the casual conversion IR changes
· 70.5% didn’t know or are unaware of what’s required for the changes to the minimum standards for ’employee-like’ workers
· 63.6% didn’t know or are unaware of what’s required for the right to disconnect changes.
“The research highlights the low levels of awareness in the business community about the IR changes. This was reflected across all industry sectors, and demonstrates why Small Business Peak is so critical to the small business community.” said Achterstraat.
The Program has free downloadable toolkits and step-by-step guides in plain English, that explain the latest workplace changes, with timelines, implementation checklists and some case studies to help simplify the complex nature of these changes.
“Think of Small Business Peak as your workplace companion in simplifying IR complexities, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business.” Achterstraat said.
To learn more about Small Business Peak, small businesses are encouraged to visit www.smallbusinesspeak.org.au.
Small Business Peak has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations through the Productivity, Education and Training Fund grant program.
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Media Enquires
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact COSBOA on ceo@cosboa.org.au or call (+61) 433 644 097
Luke Achterstraat
Chief Executive Officer
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia