Modern Awards now apply to most businesses, so you need to be sure that you understand which awards apply to you and ensure you've implemented these in your business.
Modern Awards, together with the National Employment Standards (NES) and the national minimum wage orders form the safety net for employees under the Fair Work system. Penalties of up to $6,600 for an individual and $33,000 for a corporation may apply to a breach of a term of a Modern Award and/or the NES.
Modern Awards now apply to most businesses, so you need to be sure that you understand which awards apply to you and ensure you've implemented these in your business.
The steps to follow are:
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Identify the Modern Awards that cover your business - start with looking at names of Awards. Though it isn't possble to determine by name alone, this will help to narrow your search. Most Awards are industry based so look at these first. Some are occupation based, eg Clerks Private Sector Award 2010 so these are the other group to consider.
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Compare the old awards with the new Modern Awards - check that the requirements of the Modern Award are better than the old award as for some employers the old provisions may still apply.
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Check for transitional provisions - some provisions may be transitioned so check for these in the relevant Modern Award clause.
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Review your HR documents - With all the changes that have occurred with the NES and Modern Awards, it's a good time to chek that all your HR policies and documents are up to date.
Many businesses have sought our assistance with this process, so if you need help navigating the maze of awards contact us with any queries or to subscribe to our Online Library of documents, forms, correspondence and checklists.