Safety in numbers recommended for SMEs

Safety in numbers
ID:8651713

Most small employers are not experts on workplace relations and are often more focused on having a good business with happy and well-performing employees than their compliance obligations.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman, Michael Campbell, has urged small businesses to consider joining a professional industry body, such as the Council of Small Business of Australia – COSBOA.

‘We find that employers that are well advised, especially members of registered organisations, are far less likely to be the subject of a complaint to us,’ he said.

COSBOA Chief Executive officer Peter Strong agreed that businesses who are members of a relevant industry body are less likely to encounter trouble.

‘Business people in this sector should know there is help available, including from the FWO who would rather inform and help businesses resolve issues cooperatively, than take them to court,’ Mr Strong said.

‘COSBOA also stands ready to assist those who need it and we work with the Fair Work Ombudsman to create a level playing field for everyone.

‘Industry associations such as the Restaurant & Catering Association or National Retailers’ Association can also provide relevant, tailored assistance for some fast food businesses, as might local or State Chambers of Commerce.

Mr Strong said, ‘the contravention rate highlights several issues, particularly the need to assist businesses in understanding the workplace relations system.’

‘Most small employers are not experts on workplace relations and are often more focused on having a good business with happy and well-performing employees than their compliance obligations,’ he said.

‘These businesses often employ vulnerable people such as young workers or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.’

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s website www.fairwork.gov.au provides an easy-to-access portal to a wide range of free information aimed at helping both employers and employees understand their respective rights and obligations.

The recently-launched mobile-friendly Pay and Conditions Tool – PACT – can assist business owners to calculate the correct pay for their employees and a series of Best Practice Guides is available on a range of topics, including ‘Small Business and the Fair Work Act’.

Small business callers can receive priority service when they call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 between 8 am and 5.30 pm weekdays. A free interpreter service is also available by calling 13 14 50.

Small business operators can also tap in to the suite of easy-to-follow courses at the Fair Work Ombudsman Online Learning Centre.