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B U I L D I N G CO N N E C T I O N
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TIPS
S
tarting up and successfully
running a small business can
certainly be overwhelming
at times and it is of the utmost
importance that you get things
right from the very beginning. Your
employees are one of your greatest
assets, vital to the growth and
prosperity of your business. To
make the most of this valuable
resource, you must ensure that you
are fulfilling your responsibilities and
moral obligations as an employer.
With much to consider, including a
myriad of statutory and reporting
regulations, it can certainly seem
like a minefield at times. To avoid
any issues arising with the Fair Work
Ombudsman, here is a brief guide to
get you on the right track.
NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT
STANDARDS (NES)
(Set forward by the Fair Work
Act 2009)
From 1 January 2010, the NES has
provided a safety net for all employees
covered by the National Workplace
Relations System. Basically, NES is a
guide that underpins modern awards,
enterprise agreements (EAs) and
employment contracts. You can add
extra terms or entitlements to awards
and EAs, but you cannot remove or
reduce an employee’s rights under
the NES.
(NB. Some NES don’t apply to casual
employees).
There are 10 NES which include:
ǩ
Maximum weekly hours of work – 38
hours per week, plus reasonable
additional hours
ǩ
Requests for flexible working
arrangements
ǩ
Unpaid parental leave and related
entitlements
ǩ
Annual leave – four weeks paid leave
per year, plus an extra week for
some shift workers
YOUR OBLIGATIONS AS A
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Running a small business
can feel like walking through
a minefield if you’re not
properly prepared. Below,
John Corias
of m.a.s
accountants outlines your
obligations as an employer.