While most franchisees are honest and responsible business owners, it’s no wonder that some master franchisors tear their hair out when it comes to tracking and monitoring suspicious activity within their franchise network. From scenarios such as high levels of voiding to underreporting of sales, there are many ways a franchisee has tried to earn […]
By Angela Szczepanski and Sid Sidhu With the new financial year in full swing, franchisors are reminded not to forget their end of year obligations under the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes – Franchising) Regulation 2014 (‘Franchising Code’). This article focuses particularly on the obligation to update your disclosure document and to provide vital information […]
Summary by Troy Wild, Director NRA Legal On 9 May, the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee (‘the Committee’) released its report into the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017 (‘the Bill’). Read the full report here >> The Committee recommended that the Senate pass the Bill, subject to three substantive recommendations. Recommendation […]
The franchising sector has been the focus of a number of recent high-profile investigations around payroll and underpayment issues. In response to this, the Federal Government introduced its Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers Bill) into the House of Representatives in March to crack down on future breaches. With these legislative changes coming soon, how […]
MEDIA RELEASE March 1, 2017 Retailers fearful legislation introduced today could spell the end for struggling SMEs The National Retail Association (NRA) has today expressed serious concerns about new provisions in the Vulnerable Workers Bill being introduced to Parliament today, making franchisors responsible for underpayment of labour within their franchisee network, and potentially forcing franchisees […]
by Ben Desir, Workplace Advisor, NRA Legal The Fair Work Commission has approved a franchise bakery’s enterprise agreement which cuts Sunday, public-holiday and late-night penalties in exchange for higher base pay, based on meeting the ‘Better Off Overall Test’ (BOOT). The agreement covers 232 Beechworth Bakery workers at six sites across Victoria and NSW, and […]
NATIONWIDE A new FREE-TO-AIR TV program called The Franchise Show, will launch Australia-wide on Channel 7, this Sunday 2 October. Hosted by finance commentator and consumer advocate Effie Zahos, the weekly half-hour program will explore the positives, the pitfalls, and the personalities behind the growing franchising sector in Australia. “Franchising is a fundamental cornerstone of Australia’s economy, and has […]