Employer newsletter: learn about upcoming changes to workplace laws

A snapshot of what’s happening with workplace laws and the tools to help you comply. [] Having issues? [View the online version]( [Australian Government - Fair Work Ombudsman]( In this issue [Small business support you can trust]( [Prepare for upcoming changes to workplace laws]( [New FAQ resource for the contract cleaning sector]( Hi {NAME}, Small business support you can trust Our [Employer Advisory Service]((EAS) gives small business employers free tailored written advice about pay and conditions to help you make sure you’re meeting your obligations under the Fair Work Act. Consider using the EAS if you’re: - not sure about which award covers your business - hiring your first employee or creating new roles - need guidance on leave entitlements, meal breaks, allowances or other entitlements. Did you know that [award coverage can change]( if the primary nature of the business changes, or the primary nature of an employee’s duties changes? Learn more about the EAS and finding the right award from our [LinkedIn article](. Prepare for upcoming changes to workplace laws Our Secure Jobs, Better Pay [downloadable timeline]( will help you keep track of recent and upcoming changes to the Fair Work Act. From 6 June 2023, there will be: - changes to agreement making - increased access to multi-employer bargaining through single-interest bargaining, supported bargaining and cooperative bargaining  - changes to extending unpaid parental leave, including giving the Fair Work Commission the power to deal with disputes  - more employees able to access flexible working arrangements. Stay up-to date via our [Small business latest news page](, it summarises the changes and how they may impact you.  New FAQ resource for the contract cleaning sector Get the answers to common questions from employees, employers and independent contractors in the contract cleaning sector from our newly developed [Contract Cleaning FAQs](. They cover questions like: - What’s the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?  - What is sham contracting? - How do I work out which penalty rates and allowances are payable? - Can employees be paid per job, rather than per hour? - Are there minimum shift length requirements? Find the answers and access other useful tools from our [Contract cleaning webpage](. For minimum pay rates and to work out employee entitlements in any industry, use our [Pay Calculator](. In this issue [Small business support you can trust]( [Prepare for upcoming changes to workplace laws]( [New FAQ resource for the contract cleaning sector]( 15% wage increase for the aged care sector The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 30 June 2023 for [eligible employees]( covered by the: - Aged Care Award - Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award - Nurses Award.         We’re on Insta We've recently joined [Instagram](. You can now follow [@fairworkgovau]( to stay up to date on our workplace laws.        Commonwealth Procurement Rules The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has launched an Inquiry to examine the impact of reforms to Commonwealth procurement rules on small businesses. Find out more or [lodge a submission](.         Our compliance activities - [Penalties for hair salon unlawful cashback scheme]( - [$124,186 penalties after Sydney cleaning company again underpaid international students]( - [Former Perth restaurant operator penalised for “planned and deliberate” exploitation of visa holder](.         Upcoming free webinars - Workplace relations essentials for small business - Annualised wage arrangements in the Restaurant and Hospitality Awards - Navigating awards [Register now or see other topics](.           [Copyright](  | [Disclaimer](  | [Privacy](  | [Unsubscribe](     [Twitter](    [LinkedIn](    [Facebook](    [Instagram]( [www.fairwork.gov.au](