How has COVID-19 affected businesses in Australia?

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on businesses in Australia, with many having to close their doors due to the lockdown measures. This has resulted in a sharp increase in unemployment, as well as financial hardship for many businesses. For surviving businesses the challenges continue as they're forced to get to grips with an evolving workforce—where flexible work requests, mental health issues and vaccination refusals are increasingly common.

How can a solicitor help businesses understand their employment rights?

A solicitor can help businesses understand their employment rights by providing advice on the relevant laws and regulations—in turn helping to avoid unnecessary issues such as unfair dismissal . This has become more difficult for employers to get to grips with due to COVID-19. Solicitors can also assist with dispute resolution where necessary.

How have workplace laws been changing during and post COVID-19?

Workplace laws have been changing during and post COVID-19 to address the impact of the ongoing pandemic on businesses and their employees. For instance, temporary changes were made to awards to enable additional flexibility and the Fair Work Commission introduced rules around working from home. As the landscape is constantly evolving, what might be a requirement today, might not be tomorrow. That's why it's important to have the latest up-to-date information on employment rights before making decisions.

COVID: Know Your Rights

Employers, Know Your COVID Rights!

We provide information and advice on updated employment rights due to COVID-19 changes.

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We’ll Help You Understand Your Rights

Are your staff avoiding turning up to shifts because of COVID concerns? Are you worried about the consequences of letting someone go due to the effect of the pandemic on your revenue? It’s true, these are unprecedented times, and with little historic precedent for what to do, comes confusion and misunderstanding—particularly where employers’ rights are concerned. Are you confident you can still make the right decisions for your business and your employees without landing yourself in hot water? Well, you’re not the only ones.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fair Work has encouraged employees and employers to work with one another to find solutions that suit their specific circumstances. Whilst workplace laws still apply to businesses, there are new scenarios that are being addressed by changes in regulation.

If you want to know what your current COVID rights as an employer are, or you’re seeking clarification on specific issues, it’s important now more than ever to get reliable legal advice. At Bradley Solicitors, we advise commercial clients in Darwin, Katherine and anywhere else throughout the Northern Territory and Australia. Feel free to call on (08) 8941 1677.

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The Legal Landscape Has Changed

With the COVID-19 pandemic muddying the waters and throwing up previously unconsidered events for businesses throughout Australia, what scenarios might you encounter? See below:

Employees wanting to work from home
Employees not wanting to return to work
An enforceable government direction preventing employees from returning to work
A sudden workplace closure outside of your control
Border closures being reinstated
An employee refusing to get vaccinated
A higher rate of redundancies, resignations & dismissals
An unprecedented number of requests for stress leave

Rather than risk falling foul of Fair Work rules and regulations when making a decision that affects your employees, seek out legal advice from our team at Bradley Solicitors. We’ll provide the support you need during these unpredictable times.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How has COVID-19 affected businesses in Australia?

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on businesses in Australia, with many having to close their doors due to the lockdown measures. This has resulted in a sharp increase in unemployment, as well as financial hardship for many businesses. For surviving businesses the challenges continue as they're forced to get to grips with an evolving workforce—where flexible work requests, mental health issues and vaccination refusals are increasingly common.
How can a solicitor help businesses understand their employment rights?

A solicitor can help businesses understand their employment rights by providing advice on the relevant laws and regulations—in turn helping to avoid unnecessary issues such as unfair dismissal. This has become more difficult for employers to get to grips with due to COVID-19. Solicitors can also assist with dispute resolution where necessary.
How have workplace laws been changing during and post COVID-19?

Workplace laws have been changing during and post COVID-19 to address the impact of the ongoing pandemic on businesses and their employees. For instance, temporary changes were made to awards to enable additional flexibility and the Fair Work Commission introduced rules around working from home. As the landscape is constantly evolving, what might be a requirement today, might not be tomorrow. That's why it's important to have the latest up-to-date information on employment rights before making decisions.