People Dynamics Newsletter - People Matters
Issue 58, December 2009 | Back to Newsletters Index
PD News
Season’s Greetings to you all. From Jess, Shannon, Emma and myself, we wish you a happy holiday season. Enjoy any time away and stay safe.
Our office will be closed from Wednesday 23rd of December and we will
be back to work on Monday the 11th of January.
Get bang for your buck!
December 1 sees the date of the commencement of the government’s $20million initiative to kick start Australia’s apprenticeship scheme. Between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010, the Australian Government will provide a $3,350 Apprentice Kickstart Bonus to employers who take on a young person aged 19 years and under into a traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship.
This incentive will attract more apprentices as well as improve apprenticeship completion rates. Eligibility for the program will be determined by the government through the National Skills Needs List. This list consists of 57 trades that are deemed as being in short supply nationally. For more information check out: www.australianapprenticeshipsnt.com.au
Annual Leave
Do you know the accrued annual leave amounts for your employees? How is this liability affecting your balance sheet?
Have you considered the OH&S issues surrounding accrued annual leave?
If employees accrue a large amount of leave (say, 8 weeks worth) this would imply they have not taken a break from work in over two years. This can lead to stress, and may leave your organisation liable for not monitoring the health and safety of your employees.
Encourage your staff to take their annual leave (in time off, not 'cashing
out' wherever possible) if they have a large balance accrued. The Christmas
and new year period is a great time to encourage some rest and recuperation.
You'll help keep your staff happy, keep your OH&S duty of care front
of mind, and your accountant will praise you as well!
Legal Update
Fair Work Act January 1 2010— A reminder that there are new sections to the Fair Work Act 2009 that will come into affect on 1 January 2010. These include National Employment Standards and Modernisation of Awards.
- Maximum working hours per week
- Flexible work arrangements
- Parental leave and other types of leave including community service leave
- Termination and redundancy