Best Hiring & Firing Lawyers in Canberra

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Holding Redlich

Holding Redlich

Canberra, Australia

Founded in 1962
500 people in their team
English
At Holding Redlich, great law is our starting point. Across our offices in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns we provide a complete range of legal services for clients of all sizes including many of Australia’s largest public and private companies and all levels of...
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About Hiring & Firing Law in Canberra, Australia

The hiring and firing laws in Canberra, Australia are regulated under the Fair Work Act 2009. This legislation provides the structure for the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, including aspects of hiring staff, dismissal, redundancy, and unfair treatment at work. It is designed to maintain a balance between the needs of businesses and the rights of employees. Being aware of these laws helps ensure that the process of hiring or dismissing employees is conducted fairly and legally.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer can be essential in circumstances such as unfair dismissal cases, understanding redundancy rights, and allegations of discrimination during the hiring process. If you are an employer facing allegations of unfair dismissal or discrimination, a lawyer can defend your case and provide you with crucial legal advice. For employees, a lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim or an appeal against a decision made by the employer.

Local Laws Overview

The Fair Work Act 2009 outlines that an employer should not dismiss an employee in a harsh, unjust, or unreasonable way. If an employee believes they have faced unfair dismissal, they can lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission. The Act also includes anti-discrimination provisions, meaning that employers should not discriminate when hiring. This includes discrimination based on attributes such as sex, age, race, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer's responsibilities, pregnancy, or social origin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered unfair dismissal?

Unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is dismissed from their job in a harsh, unjust, or unreasonable manner. This includes dismissals that are not a genuine redundancy or dismissals that weren't carried out in accordance with procedural fairness.

What is a genuine redundancy?

A genuine redundancy occurs when an employee's job is no longer needed to be performed by anyone, and the employer has consulted with the employee about the redundancy. It's also a genuine redundancy if it wasn't possible for the employee to be redeployed within the employer's enterprise.

Can an employer dismiss an employee without any notice?

Under most circumstances, employers need to give their employees notice before terminating their employment. The required notice period can depend on the employee's period of continuous service and their age.

Can an employee lodge a claim for unfair dismissal after they have resigned?

Yes, an employee can lodge a claim for unfair dismissal if they have been forced to resign due to the employer's conduct (this is known as "constructive dismissal"). However, the employee will need to present evidence to substantiate their claim.

Is it illegal to discriminate when hiring?

Yes, it is illegal to discriminate based on attributes such as sex, age, race, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer's responsibilities, pregnancy, or social origin during the hiring process.

Additional Resources

You may seek help from organisations like the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Human Rights Commission. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information about workplace rights and rules, while the Australian Human Rights Commission handles complaints about discrimination in the workplace.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in a hiring or firing matter, you can seek help from a qualified employment lawyer. They can provide you with legal advice tailored to your circumstances and can guide you through any processes or procedures that need to be followed.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.