Australia’s employment laws can be complicated however, wage compliance is not ‘a nice to have’ but an essential aspect of any business.

Fortunately for our members, and as Australia’s largest team of workplace relations experts orientated to the retail and quick service industries, we can readily provide guidance and tools to help you navigate the Fair Work Act, modern awards and other workplace laws.

The NRA team have worked with a number of known retail brands to provide multi-faceted support in the wake of wage non-compliance. With a skillset which covers independent auditing, dealing with the regulator on behalf of businesses, and providing training and education to managers and employees, the NRA provides a complete suite of services to businesses facing compliance issues.

Common compliance traps include:

• misinterpreting modern awards and enterprise agreements;
• misunderstanding entitlements and allowances;
• misclassifying employees; and
• misapprehending which modern award applies to your business.

With the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act having taken effect in 2017, the Fair Work Ombudsman has placed employers on notice that significant penalties will be attached to contraventions of workplace laws. Businesses are now compelled to proactively monitor, review and resolve any issues that may arise.The NRA is a trusted provider of key services in this regard, by both businesses and by the regulatory bodies.

NRA Legal can supply you with critical employment tools and templates, designed specifically for retailers to assist in managing your business. Our scope of products includes:

1. employment contracts, tailored to your requirements;
2. negotiation and interpretation of enterprise agreements;
3. the full suite of workplace policies, including but not limited to:
   • code of conduct;
   • sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying;
   • grievance management;
   • internet and social media;
   • drug and alcohol;
   • work health and safety policies and manuals; and

Additionally, we provide a broad range of workplace relations training modules in areas such as:

• performance management for retail leaders;
• fundamental workplace relations knowledge and skill (‘Workplace Relations 101’);
• appropriate workplace behaviour
• managing ill and injured employees;
• understanding the National Employment Standards and Modern Awards;
• rostering for compliance;
• work health and safety for retailers.

We can also develop bespoke training programs tailored specifically to your needs; just call us to obtain a quote.

Our work health and safety law specialists can assist members to identify and implement best practice work health and safety solutions. We can assist your business with:

• work health and safety management system review and audit
• corporate governance advice and training,
• contractor management
• Work Health and Safety 101 training,
• incident response advice and assistance,
• advice on work health and safety disputes,
• best practice customer violence strategies and support, including bespoke training.

We also work alongside government authorities to deliver members with the latest updates and information.

We offer tailored advice and practical support in a range of forms including:

• formal advice
• retainer based ongoing advice and support,
• short term, ad hoc or project based activity
• strategic planning processes and workshops,
• supplementing internal resources via on-site or head office secondments.

Please contact us if you require tailored advice or support from our expert team.

Our team of lawyers can represent you and your business in any court in Australia. Whether it’s an unfair dismissal claim in the Fair Work Commission or a pay dispute in the Federal Court, our lawyers will devise the most cost-effective strategy and advocate on your behalf.

Our weekly newsletter features regular case studies relevant to the retail and fast food industries, and we offer our members up-to-the-minute newsflashes regarding critical industry news from both Parliament and the courts.

NRA Legal regularly hosts industry events and facilitates leading industry networks designed to help our members meet their legal obligations.