Optimum Legal Solutions in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Lawyer & law firm

Optimum Legal Solutions

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3228 8400

Address: Level 17/ 40 Creek Street 4000 Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.optimumlegal.com.au

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24.01.2022 Were here to help our clients and their businesses with all areas of employment law from workplace investigations and defending claims, to HR advice and managing employees. With years of experience and a thorough understanding of employment law, we offer legal representation for both employers and employees. Need help with employment law and HR advisory for your business?... Get in touch with our friendly team for a free initial consultation > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

24.01.2022 Optimum Legal is committed to being your business go-to for legal advice relating to all aspects of industrial relations, employment law, and HR advisory. We focus on the future of our clients and their businesses while fostering long-term relationships. From large corporations to individuals, we have the expertise and experience to provide superior legal advicecombined with a favourable-fee structure. Get in touch with Optimum Legal for your empl...oyment law needs. 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

22.01.2022 Your business's anchor in times of uncertainty. We're committed to being your business's go-to for legal advice relating to all areas of industrial relations, employment law and HR advisory because we believe in fostering long-term partnerships with our clients. We have the expertise and depth of experience to provide high-quality legal strategies and advice, combined with a favourable-fee structure.... Get in touch to find out more about how Optimum Legal can support your business in 2021: https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

22.01.2022 Employers are encouraged to address and adapt gaps in employment documentation and policies to prepare for a second wave of COVID-19 While employers immediate and primary focus is on the resumption and recovery of business operations, its important to remember to conduct a workplace audit of existing contracts and policies during this time. This is a crucial tool in identifying and addressing any gaps incase the predicted second wave of COVID-19 causes any fu...rther shutdowns or restrictions to the usual operations of your business. Often, clients come to us for a solution when issues arise, however its key to be proactive and audit your business policies, procedures and employment documentation now before an issue arises to reduce liabilities and disruptions to your business down the track. Read the full article here > https://bit.ly/2XbcIQM For assistance with conducting a workplace audit, employee management or any of your employment law needs, book your FREE initial consultation with Optimum Legal > https://bit.ly/3fIc1Ff See more

22.01.2022 "We believe our community benefits from the protection of rights to fair pay, equal opportunity and safe working conditions." Get in touch to find out more about how Optimum Legal can provide legal advice to you as an employer or an employee > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E

21.01.2022 4 Ways to Avoid Wage Theft and Underpayment Risks 1. Consider a single-touch payroll system 2. Ensure correct employee classification 3. Understand the minimum requirements... 4. Be proactive if a mistake occurs At Optimum Legal, we can help you avoid underpayment risks and penalties by conducting an audit of the employment documentation for your employees, providing training, and helping you to understand and properly classify employees under the correct modern awards or classifications. Read our latest blog to find out more about avoiding wage theft risks > https://bit.ly/3iemXg6 See more

21.01.2022 NEWS: JobKeeper 2.0 Key Dates There have been changes to the JobKeeper scheme in the past few weeks, with the announcement in July that the scheme would be further extended due to the second wave sweeping across the countrys east coast and the slower than expected recovery in other states. The JobKeeper payment scheme will be extended until 28 March 2021. Here are some of the key dates to keep in mind for your business if your employees are eligib...le for the JobKeeper payment: 28 September - JobKeeper 1.0 ends and reassessment for eligibility based on July - September quarter 28 September - current JobKeeper directions automatically end (unless extended) 3 January 2021 - reassessment for eligibility based on October - December quarter Its also important to note that the different payment rates will apply from the extension of JobKeeper, as below. 28 Sep 2020 to 3 Jan 2021: $1,200 per fortnight for all employees working 20 hours or more on average in the pay period before 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020 (whichever is higher); $750 per fortnight for all other employees From 4 Jan 2021 to 28 Mar 2021: $1,000 per fortnight for all employees working 20 hours or more on average in the pay period before 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020 (whichever is higher); $650 per fortnight for all other employees For more information on JobKeeper updates and new eligibility requirements, read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3keYwiZ See more

20.01.2022 NEWS: Australian fast-food franchises and takeaway food outlets continue to be common offenders for wage theft In December 2020, The Fair Work Ombudsman recovered $78,944 in unpaid wages for 230 workers following an investigation into 39 Soul Origin franchises across Australia, a popular fast food outlet for salad, sandwiches and coffee. Fair Work Inspectors made surprise visits and audited 39 Soul Origin stores across Australia following multipl...e enquiries and anonymous reports from workers about potential breaches of workplace laws. As part of the investigation, inspectors interviewed employees, managers and store owners, as well as checked records and payslips for compliance to the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Fast Food Industry Award 2010 or the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2010, as applicable. 22 sites had both failed to correctly pay workers and to meet legally mandated pay slip and record-keeping requirements. With outcomes from these investigations resulting in wage theft scandals becoming increasingly common, The Fair Work Ombudsman is very serious about improving workplace compliance across fast food, restaurant and cafe industry. Penalties for wage theft and poor record-keeping can lead to on-the-spot fines, legal action, unfavourable media exposure, not to mention significant fines. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman See more

20.01.2022 A big thank you to all of our wonderful clients and partners for your continued support in 2020. The last 12 months have had many ups and downs to say the least, with an impactful shift in the way our employment law needs have affected us all. The need to be proactive and prepared with employee management and HR has been emphasised. We are grateful for the long-term partnerships we have fostered with you all and are excited to see where the new year will take Optimum Legal.

20.01.2022 What is employment documentation? Employment documentation covers a variety of important documents including: employment contracts... letters of offer letters notifying an employee of proposed disciplinary action letters notifying an employee of a change to their working conditions letters to employees notifying them of a salary increase/decrease letters terminating employment. Having your employment documentation prepared by an experienced IR lawyer is vital as an employer to protect yourself and your business. As an employee its crucial to be thorough with reviewing your employment documentation prior to signing anything to protect and understand your rights and entitlements. Optimum Legal can help you prepare template documents for you to use across your business with all of your employees (including on-boarding new employees, transitioning employees promoted to higher duties, or employees whose employment is coming to an end). For assistance drafting employment documentation for your business employees, or reviewing contracts as an employee, get in touch with Optimum Legal. 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

20.01.2022 The rise of wage theft scandals in the news is rising every year. Whether companies are deliberately underpaying their staff or if its an innocent mistake is hard to say. Most of the time, as an employer you wont get much sympathy from employees or organisations such as the ATO, for making these types of errors. The bottom line is that any underpayment can have serious financial consequences for the business. Its more important than ever for businesses, both small and large, to ensure they understand the proper award and super payments to make and that their employees are being paid correctly. Read our latest blog to find out how you can avoid wage theft and underpayment risks as an employer, here > https://bit.ly/3eu48mN

19.01.2022 Basic HR Advisory Services // Drafting employment agreements Creating or reviewing HR policies and procedures to be aligned with current legislation Auditing employment agreements to ensure compliance with modern award and employee wage entitlements... Guiding employers through fair employment termination procedures Supporting and advising internal management with employee management queries Need assistance with basic HR advisory? Get in touch with the Optimum Legal team for support, guidance and advice from industry experts in employment law: https://bit.ly/3mUnB40 See more

19.01.2022 Optimum Legal is committed to providing our community with superior legal services, combined with a favourable fee structure. Regardless of a persons financial situation, our experienced legal team have the expertise and a diverse skill set to provide high-quality legal strategies and advice to our clients, from large corporations to individuals. At Optimum Legal, we help employees and employers with the following services they require in employme...nt law and basic HR advisory: Workplace Disputes Employee Management Workplace Investigations Book your FREE no-obligation consultation to find out more > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

19.01.2022 5 Tips to Manage and Prevent Inappropriate Workplace Behaviour // 1. Understand what inappropriate workplace behaviour is and communicate this with your employees 2. Create a comprehensive employee handbook and share it with your employees 3. Be proactive if you notice signs of misconduct... 4. Practice transparency and create a positive work culture 5. Always seek help before you act We believe that being proactive with prevention tactics is key to mitigate a costly workplace dispute. In our recent blog, we highlighted our 5 tips for managing and preventing inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. For more information, read our latest blog post > https://bit.ly/3cgkoaU See more

18.01.2022 Employee Management Services // We can assist you as an employer with all aspects of managing your employees throughout the lifecycle of the employer and employee relationship. We believe that prevention is always the best way to mitigate a costly workplace dispute. Optimum Legal offers the following employee management services:... Basic HR advisory services Drafting employment documentation and contracts Developing and implementing company policies Managing underperforming staff Audit and review of workplace processes/documents Ensure compliance with modern awards, employee wage entitlements and employment law updates Enterprise bargaining negotiations Book your FREE initial consultation to find out how Optimum Legal can help you and your business > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

18.01.2022 In 2019, there were 14,652 unfair dismissal claims lodged in the Fair Work Commission, up from 13,538 claims made in 2018. The law surrounding unfair dismissal can be complex, so we strongly recommend that if you are not sure of what your requirements are when considering dismissal of an employee you should seek legal advice prior to terminating any employment agreements. As an employee, if you believe you have been unfairly dismissed from employ...ment, we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible as strict time limits apply. Applications must be lodged within 21 days of dismissal becoming effective. For assistance with managing and preventing unfair dismissals claims or with other areas of employment law, book your free initial consultation with our friendly Optimum Legal > https://bit.ly/2E7Y7iS See more

18.01.2022 Our philosophy at Optimum Legal is, and always has been, our client-focused approach. Bringing this approach to all areas of what we do in employment law means that our number one priority is ensuring that we understand the full scope of our clients unique needs and situations so that we can help them achieve success, while fostering a long-term relationship. Get in touch with Optimum Legal to find out more > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E

18.01.2022 FAQ: What are the penalties for wage theft in Australia? Whether it's a mistake of human error or not, the consequences can cause both reputation and financial damage to your business. Penalties for wage theft include:... On the spot fines Legal action Unfavourable exposure in the media Significant fines per contravention for companies As well as this, on 9 September 2020, Parliament passed a bill amending the Criminal Code (Queensland), effectively making 'wage theft' a criminal offence in Queensland, with penalties of up to 10 years inprisonment. At Optimum Legal, we can help you to conduct an audit of the employment documentation for your employees, provide training, and help you to understand and properly classify employees under the correct modern awards or classifications. For advice with preventing or protecting your business from a wage theft claim, get in touch with the Optimum Legal team: https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

18.01.2022 Wondering what our customer process is like from your first contact to finding a resolution for your legal matter? At Optimum Legal, we keep things simple so we can focus on delivering superior legal services for you without any extra hassle. 1. Get in touch with our friendly legal team via email or phone 2. No-obligations consultation where our team will answer any initial questions you may have and get to know an overview of your legal matter, ...needs and goals 3. We get to know you, your case and the fine details of your employment law needs 4. Finally, we strategise and develop a custom solution for your legal matter and provide superior legal advice Whether it's drafting employee contracts or managing a workplace dispute, above all, we focus on fostering a long-term relationship with our clients to be the go-to for all their employment law needs. Our team is experienced in representing both employers and employees. Get in touch with the Optimum Legal team here: https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

18.01.2022 NEWS: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review announces boosts to minimum wage Recently, The Fair Work Commission (FWC) announced their Annual Wage Review Decision. The highly anticipated decision was delayed due to the economic impacts of unprecedented crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the bushfires earlier in the year. The FWC has announced their decision to increase all modern award wages by 1.75% and the National Minimum Wage to $753.80/week ($...19.84 hourly rate). Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on various industries and sectors, the changes to awards will be staggered across different operative dates for the increase to different groups of modern awards as follows: Group 1 Awards = 1 July 2020 (changes from this date will apply to the industries noted to have had the least impact by the health crisis, including healthcare, education, childcare, and other essential services). Group 2 Awards = 1 November 2020 Group 3 Awards = 1 February 2021 (the final stage will apply to tourism, hospitality, and retail workers) Read the full summary of the Annual Wage Review 201920, here > https://bit.ly/2YOptlT See more

17.01.2022 NEWS: JobKeeper wage subsidy reviewed and extended until March 2021 with amendments JobKeeper wage subsidies, alongside other support measures (including legally-binding rent deferrals), were due to expire in late September. Many businesses have expressed their financial concerns and a struggle to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. It was announced that the subsidy would be extended until March 2021 at a reduced rate with a more targeted scheme.... Some of the changes to the program include a two-tiered payment system from 28 September until early January with a second phase of the two-tiered system introduced from 4 January - 28 March. Currently, 3.3 million workers and 900,000+ Australian businesses are enrolled under the JobKeeper scheme. If youre receiving JobKeeper, the $1,500 per fortnight rate will continue until its legislated end date, 27 September 2020 after which it will be reduced. Business owners will still need to show a 30-50% reduction in turnover (depending on business size) in the June and September quarters to continue to be eligible for JobKeeper payment in the December quarter. Find out more about what these changes mean for you, here: https://yhoo.it/3eZI7fb See more

16.01.2022 NEWS: The ATO has outlined what will happen to businesses that have been overpaid in JobKeeper payments than what they were entitled. Overpayments don't need to be paid back if there was an honest mistake, determined by the following: the business relied in good faith on a statement made by an employee in their nomination notice the business fully passed on the benefit of the JobKeeper payment to the relevant employee... the mistake was made earlier in JobKeeper when there was less public guidance Some examples of the mistake not being viewed as "honest" include: fraud perpetrated by either JobKeeper recipient or another entity intentional disregard of the law or recklessness in its application entity nominated employees, business participants or religious practitioners that it should have known would not satisfy eligibility requirements employer has deliberately not met the wage condition contacted by the office about the claim potentially being ineligible and reasonable steps to check the eligibility before making future claims weren't taken To read the full article, click here: https://bit.ly/35ETN4C p See more

16.01.2022 Merry Christmas from the Optimum Legal team. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season. We'd like to thank you all for your ongoing support this year. Our team is taking today to spend some quality time with our family and friends. We will be conducting regular office hours from Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, respective of public holiday dates. To book in a free initial consultation for January 2021, please get in touch with our team: https://bit.ly/39Bh6jg

16.01.2022 Future-focused approach // With a future-focused approach, we believe in developing long-term partnerships with our clients and their businesses to be by their side every step of the way. We believe in being proactive when assisting our clients with all areas of their employment law needs, from basic HR advice to defending claims not just creating a quick bandaid solution for a short-term issue.... Industry experts in employment law Experienced team with diverse skillset Superior legal advice with a favourable-fee structure To discuss your employment law needs, get in touch with the Optimum Legal team for a free initial consultation: https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

16.01.2022 FAQ: What do I do if an unfair dismissal claim is made against me? As an employer, it’s likely you will only find out about an unfair dismissal claim when you receive a copy of the dismissed employee’s application from the Fair Work Commission. Often, this will be the first time you are made aware that the employee has made a claim against you. Your initial response may be confusion, bewilderment or annoyance, especially if you don’t know your next steps. ... It’s crucial to stay calm and not ignore this matter as it is the beginning of a formal legal process and won’t simply ‘go away’. Even if you believe the dismissal was just, you must prepare your arguments in response appropriately. Our best advice is to get in touch with a trusted employment lawyer as soon as possible if a claim is brought upon you as they will advise you on the best steps to take depending on the circumstances of the dismissal and to protect your business. At Optimum Legal, our team of employment lawyers are by your side every step of the way. To discuss your next steps, book your free initial consultation: https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

15.01.2022 NEWS: Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) recovers $25,292 in unpaid wages for 270 stadium cleaner employees across Australia Fair Work Inspectors investigated 9 cleaning companies following surprise site visits to 6 major sports stadiums across Australia, in September and October 2019. Claims leading to investigation suggested that cleaning companies in the stadiums sector may not have been compliant with workplace laws, plus concerns of possible sham contr...acting. FWO found that 7 out of 9 of the cleaning companies (78 per cent) were non-compliant with workplace laws, 7 had underpaid employees, and 3 had breached payslip obligations. In total, there were recoveries of: $20,961 for 139 workers from three businesses contracted to clean ANZ Stadium. $3,473 for 78 workers from one cleaning business at the Adelaide Oval $743 for 51 workers from the same cleaning business operating at the Gabba $114 recovered for two cleaners from one business at GIO Stadium Wage theft is a serious and growing issue. As more businesses are being investigated and facing the repercussions of this each day, it's crucial to audit your own business' wage patterns to rectify underpayment before facing more serious consequences. Read more: https://bit.ly/3iQ7D8N See more

15.01.2022 Preparing for a Workplace Investigation Workplace investigations can be a stressful time for employers and employees. As an employer, here are a few tips for preparing for a workplace investigation: Ensure you have copies of employment contracts of involved parties... Ensure you have copies of the business policies and procedures Note how previous incidents have been managed and relevant operational processes and procedures Prepare required documents such as past performance reviews, employment records, references, etc. Determine an appropriate location for interviews and administrative matters taking into consideration geographical factors for interviews such as work locations and travelling times, and availability of parties if involved in shift work, weekend work or currently on leave etc. At Optimum Legal, our investigations and reports are provided in a legally compliant format and managed in a confidential and timely manner, whilst ensuring the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice are adhered to. For further assistance conducting a workplace investigation, get in touch with the Optimum Legal team > https://bit.ly/30L8NN5 See more

15.01.2022 Optimum Legalyour go-to for legal advice related to all areas of industrial relations, employment law, and HR advisory. Our team is skilled in providing legal advice for both employers and employees from a wide range of industries. We assist a diverse portfolio of clients from large corporations to small businesses in our community and are dedicated to consistently providing a high level of expert legal advice to our clients, regardless of their ...financial situation. Need advice with employment law? Reach out to our team to answer any questions or concerns > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

13.01.2022 Each individual in our team at Optimum Legal possesses diverse expertise and skills to provide superior legal advice and guidance combined with a favourable-fee structure to all of our clientsboth employers and employees. If you need help with... Unfair Dismissal or Adverse Action claims... Legal Representation Workplace Misconduct Investigations Employee Management Book your free no-obligation consultation with Optimum Legal for further guidance 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

13.01.2022 What is probation management? A probationary period in the employment context refers to the status of newly on-boarded employees in a workplace in which an employer has the opportunity to assess whether the employee is capable, reliable and well-suited to perform the duties of the position they have been hired for. Generally, an employee’s standard probationary period is 3-6 months from the start of employment. Details of the probationary period... must be written into the employees’ contract and agreed to prior to commencing employment. During this period, if you don’t believe your employee is a good fit, it is easier to terminate employment in this time without facing an unfair dismissal claim. However, the reason for termination cannot be discriminatory or because of adverse action due to enforcing a workplace right (amongst other things) in breach of the General Protection provisions contained in the Fair Work Act 2009. For guidance on all areas of employment law, get in touch with the Optimum Legal team: https://bit.ly/2Uz3YCB See more

13.01.2022 As the year comes to a close, now is a good time to start thinking about getting your employee management needs aligned for the new year. Many important HR 'must-dos' may have fallen off the radar towards the end of the year, but now is a good time to make a plan to audit your employee management policies, procedures and records, so you can start the year fresh. Consider the following:... Revisiting your employee onboarding practices. Audit all employees' employment agreements and modern award requirements. Review company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with employment law updates. Create a strategy and plan for improving employee engagement in 2021. See more

13.01.2022 Managing employee leave entitlements throughout the year Although we're coming into the holiday period for this year already, it's the ideal time to reflect on some of the areas of your organisation's annual leave processes that could use improvement and implement practices to streamline 2021. If you feel like you just survived balancing leave requests for this year, we hear you. Our latest blog has 4 top tips to help you thrive and improve so th...at, by next year, it'll be a walk in the park. Plan ahead Be transparent and flexible Encourage employees to use accrued leave Stay informed Interested to find out more? Visit our blog to read: https://bit.ly/2VAr2RNop See more

13.01.2022 Did you know that of employers audited by the Fair Work Ombudsman in 2016/17 *47% of employers workplaces were found to be non-compliant? The most common areas of workplace non-compliance amongst employers are found to be employee payments and wage entitlements, as well as legalities surrounding employment termination. Serious contraventions apply for non-compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009, therefore it is crucial for employers to be thorough with their internal workplace audits and ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations. To aid you in this, we have compiled 5 tips to help ensure workplace compliance. Read 5 Tips to Ensure Workplace Compliance, here > https://bit.ly/32fQKzG

11.01.2022 FAQ: When should a workplace investigation be conducted? External workplace investigations should be conducted for claims including, but not limited to: Bullying or victimisation ... Sexual harassment Theft and fraud Workplace assault Inappropriate workplace behaviour Refusal to carry out lawful and reasonable instructions and work duties If youre unsure whether the situation at hand requires a workplace investigation, our best advice is always to consult with a trusted employment lawyer before you act. Workplace misconduct issues can often be highly personal, complicated and have serious consequences for the people involved. If not addressed properly, these issues can continue leading to further workplace issues, unnecessary costs, loss of employee morale, and damage to business reputation. Optimum Legal can conduct a workplace investigation and help to resolve the situation to achieve a productive working environment. Get in touch with our friendly team for a free initial consultation > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

11.01.2022 NEWS: High Court rules against union bid for more paid sick leave for shift workers finds that: the entitlement to 10 days of personal/carers leave under the NES is calculated based on an employees ordinary hours of work, not working days; and 10 days of personal/carers leave is calculated as 1/26 of an employees ordinary hours of work in a year. ... A year ago, two Cadbury workers won a Federal Court case arguing that because they worked 12-hour shifts, their 10 days of personal leave should be paid at 12 hours a day. The company had argued it was entitled to pay the rate at only 7.6 hours. Cadbury owners Mondelez International took the case to the High Court where they rejected the unions argument that the reference in the Fair Work Act 2009 to "10 days" refers to every employee, regardless of their work pattern and distribution of hours, could be absent without loss of pay on 10 working days per year. The union representing the factorys shift workers said the decision was a huge blow and would have implications for other Australian shift workers, including those in nursing, mining, building and construction, and transport and distribution industries with non-standard shift arrangements. Read the full story here: https://ab.co/31p9snH See more

10.01.2022 When our clients come to us seeking advice on unfair dismissal claims, they are often in a vulnerable position and have many questions. First of all, it’s crucial to stay calm and not ignore this matter as it is the beginning of a formal legal process and won’t simply ‘go away’. Even if you believe the dismissal was just, you must prepare your arguments in response appropriately. With the number of unfair dismissal claims rising each year and the ...law surrounding unfair dismissal quite complex, we believe it’s imperative for employers to be proactive with seeking legal advice if a claim is made against them, as well as thoroughly educating themselves on the Fair Work Commission’s processes related to unfair dismissal claims In our latest blog, we have outlined the answers to some of the commonly asked questions we receive from employers on unfair dismissal. Read it here: https://bit.ly/2SkbwId See more

10.01.2022 Common Errors in Employment Classification // Incorrectly classifying employees can lead to issues with underpayment of employees. Its important to understand employee classifications set out in enterprise agreements to avoid some of these common errors: designating a part-time employee as a casual... designating an employee at a lower level classification than they should be under their modern award or enterprise agreement. oversights following through with wage increases for casual junior employees on their birthdays incorrect modern award classification At Optimum Legal, we can help you to conduct an audit of the employment documentation for your employees, provide training, and help you to understand and properly classify employees under the correct modern awards or classifications. For further guidance or legal advice, contact our team at Optimum Legal on 07 3228 8400 or [email protected] See more

10.01.2022 Our philosophy is client-centric, so above all we recognise that our clients are our business and their situations, their needs are unique, and our relationships with them are long-term. Get in touch with Optimum Legal for guidance with your ER, IR and HR needs. 07 3228 8400 [email protected]

10.01.2022 At Optimum Legal, we can help you with: unfair dismissal or adverse action claims; employee management; affordable legal representation for any HR/IR matter; and... workplace misconduct investigations. For a free no-obligation consultation, get in touch with the Optimum Legal team. 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

09.01.2022 FAQ: What should I consider when onboarding a new employee? Before onboarding a new employee, be sure to prepare the employee’s employment agreement and provide any supporting documents, such as an employee handbook with the outlined policies. A good rule of thumb is to follow the following checklist: Employment agreement... Company policies and handbook Fair Work Information Statement Payroll form Superannuation choice forms Although an employee handbook is not a necessity, it is very beneficial to create and implement a comprehensive guide so that employees understand their rights, responsibilities, obligations, the code of conduct, WHS policies and more. See more

09.01.2022 FAQ: What are general protections in employment law? In Australia, your employees are protected by rights and entitlements known as general protections. General protections rights protect employees, for example, if an employees employment contract is unjustly terminated or a different form of adverse action has been made against them. General protections are intended to:... protect workplace rights protect freedom of association provide protection from workplace discrimination, and provide effective relief for persons who have been discriminated against, victimised, or have experienced other unfair treatment. As an employee or employer, entering into or defending a general protections claim can be costly, therefore we recommend seeking advice from a trusted employment law team before you act. Book your free initial consultation here > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

09.01.2022 Managing and Preventing Inappropriate Workplace Behaviour // While it is generally expected that all employees in the workplace will behave in a professional manner and treat each other with dignity and respect, unfortunately it does not always happen. Claims resulting from workplace disputes can have a significant financial impact on your business, as well as cause reputational damage.... We believe prevention is always the way to mitigate a costly workplace dispute. In our latest blog, we have outlined our five tips for managing and preventing inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. Click here to read our latest blog, 5 Tips to Manage and Prevent Inappropriate Workplace Behaviour > https://bit.ly/3lbjS22 See more

08.01.2022 NEWS: JobKeeper payments to cease from 20 July for employees approved to receive Child Care Subsidy scheme (relaunching 13 July 2020) The Government is undertaking a review of the eligibility requirements to the JobKeeper payment, beginning with those eligible to receive child care subsidy payments. The JobKeeper scheme was introduced to assist employers to maintain relationships with their employees through the economic impacts of COVID-19. Now, as restriction...s are beginning to be eased we are seeing that the stimulus packages provided are being re-evaluated to best assist Australian employers and employees to transition back into the workplace. On 8 June, the Government announced that JobKeeper payments will cease from 20 July for employees of a child care subsidy approved service and for sole traders operating a child care service. The announced change is subject to amendments being made to the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefit) Rules 2020 through Parliament. For more information, see the media release from the Hon Dan Tehan, Minister for Education, here: https://bit.ly/2YeyuUZ More updates on JobKeeper amendments to follow soon. See more

08.01.2022 At Optimum Legal, our team works with a diverse portfolio of clients from large corporations to individuals and values the long-standing business relationships we have fostered together. Were dedicated to being your business go-to for legal advice relating to all areas of industrial relations, employment law, and HR advisory. For a free initial consultation with the Optimum Legal team on all areas of employment law and industrial relations, get in ...touch via email or phone. 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

08.01.2022 5 Ways to Help Ensure Workplace Compliance with Employment Laws and Regulations Audit all workplace policies and procedures Understand your responsibilities and obligations as an employer Invest in workplace safety management systems and accreditations... Go further than just ticking the box for compliance Seek professional guidance from a legal expert in employment law Serious contraventions apply for non-compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009, therefore it is crucial for employers to be thorough with their internal workplace audits and ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations. To find out more about how you can ensure workplace compliance with employment laws and regulations, read our latest blog here > https://bit.ly/32fQKzG See more

07.01.2022 According to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) reporting in May 2020, there was an increase of more than 70% of unfair dismissal claims lodged to the FWC. It’s no secret that the number of unfair dismissal claims made against employers by their employees is continuing to increase each year. Did you know that in 2019 alone, there were 14,652 unfair dismissal claims lodged to the Fair Work Commission? This was up from 13,538 in the previous year. Despi...te stimulus programs such as JobKeeper, there’s no doubt that with the economic strains from COVID-19’s impacts on businesses, the number of dismissals has risen as well as the number of unfair dismissal claims. As an employer, reducing the risk of unfair dismissal claims is very important. In our latest blog, we outlined 4 steps to minimise the risks: https://bit.ly/3haefiU See more

07.01.2022 NEWS: ATO JobKeeper audits have resulted in 6500+ applications for JobKeeper being rejected by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) since the program commenced, either due to ineligibility or fraud. Currently, approximately 3.3 million Australian employees are accessing the $1500/fortnight JobKeeper wage subsidy. In order to access the payment, employers and sole traders need to declare on a monthly basis that they meet eligibility criteria. The AT...O has been watching out for dodgy claims and entities manipulating their turnover in order to satisfy the decline in turnover test. The ATO has also sent letters to 8,000 businesses warning them they may have to repay JobKeeper money because they failed to provide adequate paperwork demonstrating eligibility. According to an ATO spokesperson, the ATO will work with business owners to avoid and overcome honest mistakes. Read the full story here > https://ab.co/3ggxLsm For legal advice on employment law and industrial relations to safeguard your business and employees, get in touch with the team at Optimum Legal. 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

06.01.2022 FAQ: What is employee management? In employment law, employee management refers to managing the legal rights, entitlements, and obligations an employer has to their employee/s in the workplace, such as: a safe working environment... correct modern award entitlements including wages and conditions appropriate policies and procedures; and ensuring all terms and conditions are reflected in a legally binding employment agreement. Employee management also refers to providing professional training and development to staff, ethical and legal steps to take to manage underperforming staff and on-boarding/terminating employment (while minimising the risks of any possible claim). For assistance with employee management, get in touch with our team: https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

06.01.2022 NEWS: Cafe 63 Chermside penalised for paying workers in food and drink. Claiming to pay employees in food and drink is a clear breach of workplace laws under the Fair Work Act and employers can face significant penalties. Popular cafe franchise, Cafe 63 Chermside, faced $139,800 in penalties in proceedings for partially paying some of their employees in food and drink.... 11 affected employees were being paid under the incorrect agreement which excluded penalty rates and overtime that they were entitled to under the Restaurant Industry Award 2010. Most employees involved were visa holders and juniors under 21 considered to be vulnerable workers. The Fair Work Ombudsman is cracking down on the underpayment of vulnerable workers in the restaurant and cafe sector as a priority. Employers have a lawful responsibility to ensure they understand the correct minimum wage rates and entitlements applicable to their staff and must adhere to paying these in full at all times. Read more: https://bit.ly/3nKJdRe See more

06.01.2022 At Optimum Legal, we believe that good people make great organisations. At the core of our philosophy, we understand that our community benefits from the rights to fair pay, equal opportunity and safe working conditions. We are dedicated to doing all that we can to ensure synergy between Employer and Employee. For a free initial consultation to discuss your employment law needs, get in touch with the Optimum Legal team.... 07 3228 8400 [email protected]

06.01.2022 FAQs From Employers on Employee Management Navigating the legal complexities of employee management can be challenging for employers, especially on top of their regular managerial and operational duties in the business. At Optimum Legal, we work with you as an extension of your business. Our team of employment lawyers are by your side every step of the way to answer any queries or concerns you may have. In our latest blog we decided to answer some... of the frequent questions we receive from employers regarding employee management in the legal context, including: 1. What should I consider when onboarding a new employee? 2. What is probation management? 3. How do I make a person redundant? 4. What key things should be addressed in an employment agreement? To read our answers on the following frequently asked questions from employers, visit our blog: https://bit.ly/3pd0m79 See more

05.01.2022 The ethos of Optimum Consulting, our founding partner, is We believe in the inherent goodness of people and that good people make great organisations. At Optimum Legal, our team shares the same values, culture, and desire to forge strong and ongoing relationships with our clients to support them through every step of their ER, IR and HR advisory needs. For a free initial consultation to discuss your employment law needs, get in touch with the Opt...imum Legal team. 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

04.01.2022 Supporting Our Clients // We focus on fostering long-term relationships with our clients and are here to provide further support to employers in any way possible. Ensure compliance with workplace laws and regulations... Provide ongoing professional workplace relations training for all staff. Affordable professional development packages tailored to your needs. With a background in Human Resources Management and Employment Law, our team is equipped to provide thorough guidance on HR advisory for your business including: developing and implementing policies, procedures, and training and professional development for your business and its employees. Get in touch with the Optimum Legal team to find out more. 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

04.01.2022 Need assistance with investigating a claim of workplace misconduct? When issues such as bullying and harassment, discrimination, inappropriate behaviour and other areas of misconduct occur in the workplace, it can be complex for employers to navigate and investigate to protect the integrity of their business and employees. Our team is experienced in conducting external Workplace Misconduct Investigations for claims including, but not limited to:... Bullying or victimisation Sexual harassment Theft and fraud Workplace assault Inappropriate workplace behaviour Refusal to carry out lawful and reasonable instructions and work duties Get in touch with the team at Optimum Legal for a free initial consultation. 07 3228 8400 [email protected] See more

03.01.2022 Favourable-fee structure // Its important to us that our clients can get the affordable advice they need without compromising on client care, service and support. Thats why Optimum Legal is committed to providing access to superior legal services with a favourable-fee structure. Legally safeguard your business by implementing practices, policies, and procedures to audit and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, as well as mana...ge your employees modern award contraventions with their wages. To find out how Optimum Legal can help safeguard your business, book your FREE initial consultation here > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

01.01.2022 What is an enterprise agreement and what terms must be included in one? An enterprise agreement sets out the terms and conditions of employment between one or more national system employers and their employees, as specified in the agreement. An enterprise agreement is an agreement about permitted matters which are:... terms about the relationships between each employer and the employees covered by the agreement terms about the relationships between each employer and any employee organisations (e.g. a trade union) who will be covered by the agreement deductions from wages for any purpose authorised by an employee covered by the agreement how the agreement will operate For assistance with enterprise bargaining negotiations and enterprise agreements, get in touch with our skilled team of legal experts at Optimum Legal > https://bit.ly/30RtK7E See more

01.01.2022 Workplace Disputes & Claims // Our team can help either defend or prosecute many different types of claims or workplace disputes, including: unfair dismissal... general protections discrimination sexual harassment At Optimum Legal, our team has years of extensive experience in defending these types of claims for employers and prosecuting for employees. Well guide you through the process keeping you updated to save you the time, stress and money so you can focus on yourself or your business and employees. Optimum Legal is on your side every step of the way. Get in touch for a free consultation with our friendly team > https://bit.ly/2XZddy2 See more