Employers need to be aware of their responsibilities when hiring new staff to ensure they are complying with workplace laws and for their business to continue to succeed.
Here are three things to consider before hiring new workers:
1) Understand your legal obligations
Employers must familiarise themselves with the National Employment Standards that cover the maximum weekly hours, flexible working, leave (annual, parent’s/ carer’s, compassionate, community service, parental, long service), public holidays, notice of termination and redundancy pay and the Fair Work Information Statement.
Determine whether the worker will be covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement and be sure to pay the right pay rates and entitlements. Employers are also responsible for providing a healthy and safe working environment for staff and must adhere to anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity legislation.
2) Pay slip and record keeping
One of the first steps of hiring a new worker is determining whether they are an employee or contractor, as this will affect super and
tax treatment. Employers need to register for Pay As You Go (PAYG) straightaway to withhold tax and should check if they need
to register for payroll tax in their state or territory. If you are providing fringe benefits for the employee, you will need to register for FBT. You will also need to check if the worker is eligible for superannuation.
3) Offer of employment
Writing a letter of offer is usually the best way of offering employment after the initial verbal offer. Be sure to include a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement, company policies (i.e., code of conduct, social media, uniform policies), and forms that need to be completed such as a tax file declaration and super choice form.
This publication is for guidance only, and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. Neither the publishers nor the distributors can accept any
responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this publication.