Employer Newsletter: the latest changes to workplace laws

A summary of the latest changes, along with the tools and resources to help you meet your obligations. [] Having issues? [View the online version]( [Australian Government - Fair Work Ombudsman]( In this issue [Changes to the Fair Work Act]( [Updated Information Statements]( [New resources for the building and construction sector]( [Need help resolving a workplace issue?]( [Unpaid parental leave entitlements]( Hi {NAME}, Changes to the Fair Work Act A number of changes have been made to the Fair Work Act as part of the Australian Government’s 'Closing Loopholes' reforms. Some changes are in effect, while others start between now and 2025.   To help you stay up to date, we have published a new workplace laws section on our website that covers [Legislative changes]( and [Award changes](.  We also have a [downloadable timeline]( that summarises what is changing and when. We will keep you updated via email as we continue to add to our range of information and resources.   Updated Information Statements Employers must give every employee engaged under a new fixed term contract a copy of the newly introduced [Fixed Term Contract Information Statement]( that became available in December 2023. It provides fixed term employees with information about fixed term employment, including the new rules about when fixed term contracts are allowed to be made.  Employers must also give every new employee a copy of the updated [Fair Work Information Statement]( and if applicable, the [Casual Employment Information Statement](, before, or as soon as possible after, they start their new job. These have been updated with information about the recent changes to the Fair Work Act. Remember to download them directly from our website, to ensure you’re using the latest version. New resources for the building and construction sector The building and construction sector is a regulatory priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman. Our website has tailored information and advice that details:   - what type of work is covered by the building and construction industry, and what awards apply   - workplace protections and the role of unions in the industry   - rules about what employees get at work, such as minimum wage and overtime pay   - allowances for employees working in the industry   - entitlements for apprentices.   Explore our updated [building and construction information](.    Need help resolving a workplace issue? Our Employer’s guide to resolving workplace issues could help you prevent workplace problems and resolve issues quickly when they arise. We also have a Managing performance online course that outlines steps you can take to maintain good performance, as well as deal with underperformance issues.  Check out our suite of [conflict resolution tools](.    In this issue [Changes to the Fair Work Act]( [Updated Information Statements]( [New resources for the building and construction sector]( [Need help resolving a workplace issue?]( [Unpaid parental leave entitlements](   Easter holidays Our [Public holidays]( section has you covered for dates and info on entitlements.   Hiring new staff? [Get hiring right]( by understanding your obligations and making sure you know what [prohibited job ads]( are.   New Easy Read info Our [Easy Read info]( combines text with images to explain information simply.   Webinars Webinars coming up soon: - [Working or employing over the Easter period - what you need to know, including FAQs](  - [Starting or running a small business? – practical tips you need to help you get it right](  - [FAQs about the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award](  Register now or [check for other upcoming webinars.](   Latest news [FWO secures record $10.34 million penalties against Commonwealth Bank and CommSec](  [Near $100,000 penalties for Toorak mortgage broking business and manager](  [Optus Retail signs Enforceable Undertaking](  [Migrant worker talks to FWO, helps workmates get more than $350,000 in back-pay](    Unpaid parental leave entitlements Learn more about [unpaid parental leave]( following recent changes.    [Copyright](  | [Disclaimer](  | [Privacy](  | [Unsubscribe](     [Twitter](    [LinkedIn](    [Facebook](    [Instagram]( [www.fairwork.gov.au](