ACTU warns employers on exploiting IR laws

The ACTU recently announced it plans to name and shame employers who cut wages and introduce poor working conditions under the Federal Government’s IR reforms. ACTU president Sharan Burrow said she was concerned by the “proliferation” of HR and management advisers who were offering to help businesses develop individual contracts and reduce workforce costs. “What we are now witnessing is an aggressive new push by employers to drive down the wages and conditions of their workforce under the government’s new IR laws,” she said.

Reduced workers compensation premiums for safer employers

Many employers in NSW will be able to reduce the cost of their WorkCover premiums by up to 30 per cent, following recent changes to the way workers compensation premiums are calculated. Deloitte OHS specialist, Stephen Windmill, said the changes were introduced in an effort to move towards a more equitable system where a ‘user pays’, so that employers with a low cost of claims will see their premiums reduced. For instance, an employer who contributes $600,000 in premiums may be able to reduce this by $180,000 if they improve their management of OHS and return to work processes.