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Workplace RelationsPractice Profile As a trusted advisor to major employers across the public and private sectors we understand the need for highly responsive, context sensitive and commercial solutions to workplace problems. Our advice is straightforward and accessible and by concentrating on solving the problem, rather than simply giving an isolated legal response, we build a long term strategic approach. Our work is tailored to the specific industrial and organisational needs of each client. We work effectively with our clients at all levels including Chief Executive Officers and senior management when sensitive issues are involved. We provide our clients with confident advice at short notice and within agreed timeframes. Frequently employment issues are linked with broader management and business concerns and the quality of service to our clients is enhanced by our ability to provide employment advice as part of an overall corporate strategy. Practice Strengths Terminations and Disputes We approach the problem of dismissals by applying strategies to minimise claims and to avoid fighting claims needlessly. By focusing on the best steps to proceed to a dismissal we minimise the chances of our clients facing successful claims. Our perspective is that it is possible to dismiss without the risk of a claim, and we provide support to achieve that goal. We often appear for or advise our clients before industrial tribunals during industrial disputes on a range of workplace issues such as safety, return to work for injured employees or award interpretation claims. Our approach balances commerciality and strategic aggression. We achieve the effective solutions our clients require in both the federal and state forums. Contracts, Policies and Procedures Having a written employment contract is not only sound legal practice but is also a valuable management and education tool. Employment contracts are not all the same and a “one size fits all” approach usually causes more problems than it solves. Our role is to prepare the document that makes best sense for each business. Sound policies and procedures matched with good and consistent management practices are the foundation stones to successful workplace relations. We provide key strategic input for clients in the identification, development and implementation of workplace polices and procedures. Always mindful of the risk of over-regulating, our approach in this area follows each individual client’s corporate and cultural business imperatives. Equal Employment Opportunity We have a wealth of experience in anti discrimination and EEO legislation, including overseeing processes and investigations, considering options and responding to complaints. Our approach is to utilise all available mediation options before fully defending a claim. Occupational Health & Safety Our Occupational Health & Safety team are experts in all aspects of safety law. We provide a range of services to our clients including practical advice on safety law, development of OH&S procedures and policies, effectively managing critical safety events, dealing with WorkCover and protecting clients' interests in investigations and prosecutions. We also provide regular advice to clients following serious accidents/near misses with respect to setting up investigations, client legal privilege on reports and dealing with WorkCover. Dealing with Long Term Injured Employees Workers with long term compensation claims can pose challenges for employers. Working closely with our workers compensation specialists, we are expert in advising on these issues in the context of compensation claims, disability discrimination, rehabilitation and termination of employment. |
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