People Matters – with HRAnywhere

The end of the year is fast approaching, and many businesses decide to ‘close shop’ over the Christmas and New Year period. Regardless of the closure period, businesses need to start thinking about what they are required to do to be compliant with Fair Work legislation.

Firstly, all modern awards have a clause regarding providing written notice to their employees about a shutdown. In reviewing Awards used by FTMA members, the Clerks Award, Timber Award and Commercial Sales Award state 28 days written notice whilst the Road Transport and Distribution Award states one months’ notice. An EBA may provide different information regarding notice periods.

The next thing you need to determine is how many days leave your business will direct employees to take during the shutdown and how this leave should be taken. Again, modern awards provide advice on the direction to take annual leave during the shutdown and options for you and your employees to take if they don’t have enough annual leave accrued.

For further advice, contact the HRAnywhere team on 1300 208 828 or info@hranywhere.com.au.