First published on Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Last updated on Thursday, February 6, 2025
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we give you a rundown of the week’s top employment law stories. Stay on the pulse of current trends impacting your business, plus get up-to-the-minute commentaries on all things HR and legal.
Casual employment and dismissal protections
Recent decisions by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) have highlighted that casual employment contracts do not exempt employers from dismissal protections. In a notable case, a casual worker contested the termination of his employment, alleging it contravened the Fair Work Act 2009. The employer argued that, as a casual employee, the worker was not entitled to dismissal protections.
However, the FWC determined that the absence of a guarantee for ongoing work does not negate an employee’s right to challenge a dismissal. This decision highlights that even casual employees have legal protections when employment is abruptly ended.
Ensuring your contracts and dismissal processes comply with Australian legislation is essential. BrightBase provides access to a wide range of policy templates and employment documents, helping you stay compliant and avoid costly legal mistakes.
Communicating terminations: the risks of text messaging
Another case involved a worker who received a text message stating that there were “no upcoming shifts” available. When he questioned whether he was being fired, the employer opted not to respond. The Commission determined that the text constituted a dismissal, allowing the worker to proceed with an unfair dismissal claim.
Terminating employment through vague or informal communication can lead to costly disputes. Using proper documentation and clear processes is vital to protecting your business. BrightHR’s HR software helps you store and manage employee records, ensuring you stay organised and compliant when dealing with sensitive matters like dismissals.
The rise of pay transparency in job advertisements
The landscape of job postings in Australia is shifting towards greater pay transparency. According to Indeed’s 2025 Jobs and Hiring Trends Report, 37% of Australian job postings included pay information in 2024, up from 35% the previous year.
This trend is particularly prominent in industries such as personal care, home health, and beauty and wellness. A competitive labour market has prompted employers to disclose salary details to attract top talent.
Embracing pay transparency can enhance your organization’s appeal and foster trust with potential employees. For more advice on how to attract and retain talent, try asking our superfast AI tool, Bright BrAInbox: “How can an employer use rewards to attract employees?”
And that’s a wrap. Tune in next week for more headlines and make sure you stay ahead of major employment law changes!
