Drake International Announces Fair Work Advisory Service for Australian Businesses

Online, March 25, 2010 (Newswire.com) - [Melbourne, Australia 26 March, 2010], Drake International, the leader in recruitment and HR solutions today announced the timely launch of an Industrial Relations service to Australian Businesses who are needing to become compliant against the Federal Governments new workplace relations laws.

The Fair Work Australia Act came into effect from 1 January 2010 meaning all businesses need to ensure they are complying with the new requirements under the Act. Under the Act New National Employment Standards (NES) were introduced and many employers in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia moved into the national system. This date also saw the commencement of the modern awards.

"We are seeing a number of Australian businesses, particularly SMEs failing to take a proactive approach in ensuring they are compliant with these new requirements", said Dean Bacarella, Senior IR Consultant at Drake. "Non responsive businesses are placing themselves at risk of not being compliant and may face significant financial penalty if they continue managing their businesses as per the practices and conditions applied during the former Workplace Relations Act. The fact that many of these business do not know where to start in driving compliance is of upmost concern".

The Fair Work Ombudsman has already begun its random audits for 2010. Audits undertake by the Fair Work Ombudsman can involve a surprise call to any business whereby the ombudsman asks to review documentation to ensure compliance on any of the following:

- awards and agreements;
- minimum wages;
- penalties and overtime;
- annual and personal leave accrual; and
- record-keeping and payslips.

To minimise the risk of non-compliance and penalties, businesses should consider if they are paying their employees the correct minimum wages, loadings, penalties and overtime in accordance with the relevant award, leave is accrued appropriately and the keeping of specific records is carried out. "I think a lot of small to medium enterprises are seeing the changes as a major headache and would rather get on with running their businesses. It is for this reason that Drake developed a dedicated service to help take that pain away and allow businesses to get on with what they do best". Said Mr Bacarella.

With a dedicated team of advisors within Drake we are in a unique position to advise on the correct Awards for your people. If you would like further information about how Drake International can assist in ensuring your company is compliant, please contact Dean Bacarella, Drake Senior IR Consultant on (03) 9245 0287.

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