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Employment Law Changes 2017

The employment law changes 2017 will affect all employers. Although, franchisors are the focus of the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act 2017.

 

Call Etienne Lawyers NOW on 1800 882 032 to talk to one of our friendly and helpful lawyers about how the employment law changes 2017 will affect you and your business

 

In 2016, several Franchisee’s of high profile Franchises were underpaying staff:

  • 7-Eleven
  • Pizza Hut
  • Domino’s
  • Bakers Delight

Employees working around a table. Employment Law Changes 2017

“Businesses that don’t keep the right records, dont give proper payslips, or who make false or misleading records and payslips face higher penalties.”

Natalie Jones – Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Act has not changed the obligations of employers significantly. But, the changes to the penalties are significant.

There are new obligations for Franchisors and holding companies. they may be liable for breaches of the law made by franchisees or subsidiaries. These workplace laws start October 27, 2017.

Record Keeping

There are now hefty penalties for employers breaching recordkeeping responsibilities. Keeping accurate records for at least 7 years is the key:

  • Details of employee’s name
  • Commencement date
  • Employment Status
  • Pay
  • Hours Worked
  • Leave
  • Superannuation Contribution

Employers must give payslips to employees within 1 working day of payment.

I Am Not a Franchisor. I am a Licensor

Fair Work has changed the definition of “Franchise”. Licensing of intellectual property by agreements may make you liable under these amendments. You may not be a franchise according to the Franchising Code but you may be liable according to Fair Work.

Exposing you to these new laws and making you responsible for your licensee’s breaches of the law.

Higher Penalties

There are now much higher penalties for serious contraventions of the Act, such as not paying employees in full without setoff and at least monthly. The Act considers serious contraventions to be such acts that are:

  • deliberate or intentional; and
  • form part of a systemic pattern of conduct, where such conduct occurs in relation to at least one person.

These penalties are up to 10 times higher than previous penalties. Individuals can face penalties of up to $108,000 and companies can face penalties of up to $540,000.

New penalties exist for providing false and misleading information to Fair Work inspectors. As well as prohibitions on hindering or obstructing them.

Ban On Employees Paying Back Wages

The changes to the Fair Work Act ban employers requiring employees to pay back part of their salary in cash. 7-Eleven made some of their employees pay back a part of their wages in cash. This is now expressly prohibited in the new Act.

Employment Law Changes 2017 – What Should I Do Now?

It is important that employers, franchisors, and licensors do not panic. Get proper legal advice that suits your particular circumstance.


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    “All You Need to Know about Hiring and Firing.”

    Steven Brown presenting a seminar on employment law.

    Would you like to have your franchisee’s or licensees trained on the employment law changes 2017. Click on the link below to go to our training page to learn more.

    Training

    Top 5 Franchising Tips

    Starting any new business takes hard work. This applies equally when starting a franchise business. To successfully market a franchise system, it is necessary for the franchisor to gain the trust of prospective franchisees. To gain that trust, it is essential that the franchisor is completely prepared 5 Top Tips for Franchisingbefore going to market with the business to potential franchisees. What preparations should be done by the franchisor to be seen as a quality franchisor?

    1. Create a business concept that can attract interest from prospective franchisees. This can be done by having a very developed vision that is described fully in a disclosure document. Look for a concept that is filling an existing gap in the market and one that can be monetised easily. The business concept is the foundation stone upon which a franchise can be built.
    2. Form a team that can help in building this business. Surround yourself with sound professionals who have expertise in business strategy, legal skills and knowledge of the industry and market the franchise system operates in. This is also the team that will establish the format of the support that can be provided to the franchisee. The quality of this team is a selling point in itself; a great team means a potential franchisee is also purchasing a stake in this team, thus increasing the value of the franchise.
    3. According to the science of marketing, look for the uniqueness of the goods or services, because this uniqueness determines whether our goods or services would be accepted by the market. Find your point of difference or your unique selling proposition (USP). The one special thing which sets you apart and allows you to compete levelly with similar businesses and be competitive.
    4. Consult the experts – you may be the best accountant, or sales person, but when you franchise your business, you need those professionals supporting you with the best possible experience. It is crucial you use people such as Etienne Lawyers who are experienced in the field of franchise to ensure the success of your franchise venture.
    5. Finally, follow through. Follow your strategy plan; prepare you marketing and promotion focusing on your USP and your successful systems.

    If you would like to find out how to successfully franchise your business call us on 02 8845 2400 or contact me at sujono@etiennelaw.com

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