Small business warned: get advice before you hire or fire

The Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) has today issued a warning to small businesses to act with extreme caution when making any changes to their existing staffing arrangements, including hiring, firing, changing staff hours or rates of pay, after next Wednesday, 1 July.

With the Fair Work Act to come into effect on 1 July, the majority of small businesses are still unaware of their rights and responsibilities, and are not ready for the changes, says COSBOA CEO Jaye Radisich.

“Unfortunately, most small businesses are not aware of the significant impact that this legislation will have on staffing matters.

“Unlike large businesses, small firms do not have in-house lawyers or human resources departments to help them navigate major workplace relations changes. Nor can they often afford to hire expensive consultants to prepare their internal business systems for the changes,” Radisich said.

Radisich is urging small business owners to seek advice before taking any action on hiring or firing staff, by calling the Workplace Authority.

“Although Fair Work Australia is the new body that will help people navigate the Fair Work Act, no website or phone line is available yet so small business owners, managers and their staff should call the Workplace Authority on 1300 363 264 about their rights and responsibilities under the new arrangements.”

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