Employer Newsletter: Changes to workplace laws you don't want to miss.

We’re here to help you navigate recent and upcoming changes to workplace laws and the rules for employing this holiday season. [] Having issues? [View the online version]( [Australian Government - Fair Work Ombudsman]( In this issue [New rules for fixed term contracts]( [Rostering over the holiday season]( [New parental leave section on our website]( [Upcoming changes to workplace laws]( Hi {NAME}, New rules for fixed term contracts From 6 December, there are new rules when engaging employees on [fixed term contracts](.  The new rules include [limitations]( on how fixed term contracts can be made. They relate to:  - time - how long a fixed term contract can be  - renewal - renewing a fixed term contract, including how many times a contract can be renewed   - consecutive contracts - employing a person on consecutive fixed term contracts.   There are some [exceptions]( to who the limitations apply to.   You’re also now required to give every new fixed term employee a [Fixed Term Contract Information Statement]( before they start work or as soon as possible after.  [Employees wearing santa hats while working on their laptops] Rostering over the holiday season The busy end-of-year period can mean you need employees to work additional hours or you need to make roster changes. You also need to factor in public holidays and their choice about working those or not. It’s important to make sure you’re meeting your obligations and providing the correct entitlements over the holiday period. We’ve got helpful info on:  - [rostering rules](  - [when overtime applies](  - [public holiday entitlements](.  Reminder: Make sure you’re across the [upcoming public holidays]( in your state or territory.              New parental leave section on our website Our new and improved [parental leave section]( makes it quicker and easier to find the answers to all your parental leave questions. With helpful information and resources now split into three stages:    - [before parental leave]( - including eligibility, supporting pregnant employees and hiring replacement employees.  - [during parental leave]( - including payment during leave, keeping in touch days and changing or extending the leave.  - [after parental leave]( - including returning to work and flexible working arrangements.  Upcoming changes to workplace laws Whether you’re preparing to shut down or approaching your busiest time of the year, there are upcoming changes to the Fair Work Act you need to know about:  - From 30 December 2023, employees can [authorise salary deductions]( made by their employer that are recurring and for amounts that vary from time to time.  - From 1 January 2024, the National Employment Standards (NES) will include a [right to superannuation contributions](.  In this issue [New rules for fixed term contracts]( [Rostering over the holiday season]( [New parental leave section on our website]( [Upcoming changes to workplace laws](   Help for small business We’ve updated our [Small Business Showcase](! Tailored tools and resources all in one place.     Employing migrant workers? [Visa holders]( have the same workplace entitlements and protections as all other workers. New business plan tool Starting a business or expanding? [Business.gov.au]( has launched a new [Business plan tool]( with simple, step-by-step guidance on how to write a business plan. Up-to-date with your tax obligations? Time is running out for the [small business lodgement penalty amnesty](. Eligible small businesses have until 31 Dec to lodge overdue income tax returns, activity statements and fringe benefits tax returns.      Zombie agreements Zombie agreements that were still in operation on 6 Dec 2023 automatically ended (‘sunset’) on 7 Dec 2023. Our [New rules for enterprise agreements and bargaining fact sheet]( can help you check if your workplace is impacted.      Reminder: Positive duty responsibilities From 12 December 2023, the [Australian Human Rights Commission]( has the power to enforce compliance by organisations and business with the positive duty obligations. Find out more, including free [resources]( to help you understand your obligations, [on their website](. There is also a free webinar on 12 December – [you can sign up now](.   [Copyright](  | [Disclaimer](  | [Privacy](  | [Unsubscribe](     [Twitter](    [LinkedIn](    [Facebook](    [Instagram]( [www.fairwork.gov.au](