A new version of the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code (the Code) has been released.
The revised Code now gives additional information on redundancy and employer responsibilities with regard to employee requests for a support person at meetings in which their termination is being considered. This Code applies to businesses employing fewer than 15 employees (up to 1 January 2011, this means 15 full-time equivalent employees, thereafter it will be on headcount)
The Small Business Fair Dismissal Code Checklist (the Checklist) has been developed to help small business employers to comply with the Code. This tool is designed to assist small business employers follow the Code’s procedural elements when dismissing an employee and understand when the Code applies. New introductory text is also included that explains that "completing the checklist does not mean that the Code has been complied with", an important point for business owners and managers to understand.
Recent decisions at Fair Work Australia and the issuing of a revised Code highlight that not only is a valid reason for dismissal important but just as important is adherance to procedural requirements.
Whether you are a small or midsized business, if you're unsure about dismissal requirements contact the team at Your HRmanager for assistance.