In order to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace, businesses need to effectively manage and maintain the human side of their organisations. At Mellor Olsson, we work closely with our business clients to provide them with timely, effective and efficient advice in relation to their employees.
Employment and Workplace Law is constantly evolving and it’s imperative that businesses have trusted advisors they can turn to when they need an answer or assistance with an employment issue. Mellor Olsson advises and represents employers in all aspects of Employment and Workplace Law.
Service Offering
Drafting employment contracts, policies and procedures
Drafting clear and comprehensive employment contracts, policies, and procedures is essential for maintaining a well-regulated and compliant workplace. Our expert Employment and Workplace Relations team assists business owners and operators in creating robust employment documentation tailored to their specific needs. We ensure that your contracts, policies, and procedures adhere to current legal standards. Whether you're establishing new agreements or updating existing documents, our team provide insightful legal advice and drafting to support the smooth and lawful management of your workforce.
Identifying modern award coverage, including the classification level and rate of pay
Ensuring compliance with modern awards is crucial for fair and lawful employment practices. At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we provide guidance to employers on identifying the correct modern award coverage for their employees. Our team assists in determining the appropriate classification levels and rates of pay, ensuring that your employment practices align with legal requirements and industry standards. We help you navigate the complexities of award classifications and remuneration, mitigating risks of non-compliance and promoting fair treatment within your workplace.
Compliance with all legislative minimum standards, such as all of the different forms of paid and unpaid leave
Compliance with legislative minimum standards is essential for maintaining a fair and legally compliant workplace. Mellor Olsson provide expert advice on adhering to all legislative requirements, including various forms of paid and unpaid leave. Our team can assist you in ensuring that your policies and practices meet the minimum standards for annual leave, sick leave, parental leave, and other entitlements.
Undertaking wage and entitlements audits
At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we offer comprehensive audit services to South Australian business owners and operators, meticulously reviewing your payroll practices and employee entitlements. Our team identifies any discrepancies, ensures adherence to legal standards, and provides practical recommendations for addressing any issues. By undertaking a thorough audit, we help you safeguard your business against compliance risks, enhance workplace fairness, and maintain a positive reputation.
The implementation of restructures and redundancies
Implementing restructures and redundancies requires careful planning and adherence to legal requirements to ensure a smooth and compliant transition. Our expert Employment and Workplace Relations lawyers can provide strategic advice on legal obligations, including fair dismissal procedures, employee entitlements, and communication strategies. We assist in developing and executing redundancy plans that minimise disruption while adhering to all legislative and contractual requirements.
Managing employee misconduct and underperformance
Effectively managing employee misconduct and underperformance is crucial. We offer expert advice on addressing and resolving issues of employee misconduct and performance concerns. Our team can assist in implementing fair and legally sound disciplinary processes, conducting investigations, and navigating performance management procedures. We help ensure that all actions are compliant with employment laws and contractual obligations, reducing the risk of disputes.
Management of injured employees
Effectively managing injured employees is vital for ensuring both compliance with workplace laws and the wellbeing of your workforce. At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we provide expert guidance to South Australian business owners and operators on managing workplace injuries, from initial reporting to return-to-work strategies. We can help you navigate the complexities of workers' compensation claims, accommodate injured employees, and implement suitable rehabilitation and reintegration plans. We ensure that all legal obligations are met, minimising disruptions to your business while supporting your employees' recovery and return.
Representation in unfair dismissal and unlawful dismissal applications
Navigating unfair dismissal and unlawful dismissal claims can be complex and challenging. Mellor Olsson provides comprehensive representation to employers facing such applications. We offer strategic advice and robust advocacy to ensure that your case is handled with expertise and precision. Whether you are defending against a claim or seeking to resolve a dispute, we guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights and obligations, and work to achieve the most favourable outcome.
Representation in underpayment of wages applications
Addressing underpayment of wages claims requires a thorough understanding of employment laws and fair compensation practices. Our expert Employment and Workplace Relations team provides dedicated representation to employers facing allegations of wage underpayment. We offer strategic advice and effective advocacy to help you navigate these claims, ensuring compliance with legal standards and addressing any discrepancies in wage payments. From negotiating settlements to representing you in disputes, we are committed to protecting your business interests and resolving wage issues with precision and fairness.
Representation in anti-bullying and sexual harassment applications
Handling anti-bullying and sexual harassment claims with sensitivity and legal precision is crucial for maintaining a respectful and compliant workplace. We offer strategic advice on addressing and resolving claims, ensuring adherence to workplace laws and best practices. Whether you're defending against allegations or seeking to implement effective policies, we guide you through the process, aiming to resolve disputes and uphold a positive work environment.
The employment implications arising from the transfer (and sale) of businesses
Navigating the employment implications of transferring or selling a business requires careful legal consideration to ensure compliance. Mellor Olsson can provide essential guidance to South Australian business owners through every stage of a business transfer or sale. We address key issues such as employee entitlements, continuity of employment, and compliance with relevant laws to ensure a smooth transition. Our strategic advice helps manage potential risks and ensures that employment obligations are met, safeguarding both your business and your employees during the process.
Managing Fair Work Ombudsman investigations
Our expert Employment and Workplace Relations team provides comprehensive support for employers facing Fair Work Ombudsman investigations. We assist in preparing and presenting your case, addressing any compliance issues, and liaising with the Ombudsman to resolve matters efficiently. Our strategic advice helps you navigate the complexities of the investigation process, minimising potential disruptions and ensuring that your business remains compliant with employment laws.
Advising and representing on all post-employment obligations; restraints; misuse of IP and confidential information
Managing post-employment obligations, including restraints, misuse of intellectual property, and protection of confidential information, is essential for safeguarding your business interests. At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we provide expert advice and representation to employers in navigating these critical issues. Our team ensures that your post-employment contracts and policies are robust and enforceable, helping you address breaches of confidentiality or misuse of intellectual property. We work to protect your proprietary information and enforce restraint clauses effectively, minimising risks and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Representation in workers compensation disputes in the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET)
Navigating workers compensation disputes in the SAET requires skilled legal representation to ensure a fair and favourable outcome. Our team offers dedicated support to employers involved in workers compensation disputes. We provide comprehensive representation, from preparing and presenting your case to negotiating settlements and addressing legal complexities. Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting your business interests and ensuring compliance with workers compensation laws.
Drafting, interpreting and negotiating enterprise agreements, including protracted bargaining disputes and industrial action
Drafting, interpreting, and negotiating enterprise agreements are critical for establishing clear and effective workplace relations, especially during protracted bargaining disputes or industrial action. Our Employment and Workplace Relations lawyers provide strategic guidance to employers on crafting and managing enterprise agreements that align with your business goals and legal requirements. We assist in negotiating terms, resolving disputes, and addressing any issues related to industrial action, ensuring that your agreements are fair, enforceable, and tailored to your needs.
Managing union relationships, including right of entry, dealing with union officials and disputes (anticipated and actual)
At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, our team provides tailored advice and support on managing union interactions, including right of entry, dealing with union officials, and addressing both anticipated and actual disputes. We offer strategic guidance on complying with union regulations, negotiating terms, and resolving conflicts to protect your business interests and foster positive labour relations.
Advising on all aspects of Work Health and Safety obligations
Ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations is essential for creating a safe and legally compliant workplace. Our team provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of WHS obligations for employers. We help you understand and implement safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, and develop effective safety policies and procedures. Our team also assists in navigating WHS compliance issues, managing safety incidents, and addressing any legal challenges that arise.
