Here we are (almost) at the end of 2015. This edition of Week In Review is the last one for the year, and it has been kept deliberately short because we know you are frantic with just a week until Christmas. However, there are a couple of things I want to let you know before […]
As 2015 draws to an end and employers prepare to celebrate the Christmas season, it is worth revisiting a case that has shed some light on what is inappropriate conduct at a work function. In this case, it was held that an employee had been unfairly dismissed despite his intimidating behaviour and harassment of colleagues […]
Labour hire companies operating in Queensland may be subject to licensing and registration requirements in the near future, as the Queensland Parliament launches an investigation into the nature of these businesses and allegations of sham contracting. The review, headed by the Finance and Administration Committee, will consider both the social and economic impacts of these […]
The Federal Government this week released its innovation package which it hopes will spark an “ideas boom” across Australia. And while most commentary has tended to focus on high-tech industries and emerging technologies, it’s pleasing that the Government realises that ideas and innovation must also be fostered across traditional industries such as retail. Retail is […]
Retail is a great place to learn transferable work skills and the opportunities are endless when it comes to reputable career pathways within retail. The Department of Employment has predicted the creation of around 13,600 new positions state-wide over the next four years in retail – almost 4,800 of those will be in the Greater […]
On the 27th November 2015, certain changes came into effect in respect of the Fair Work Act 2009 (“the Act”) pursuant to the recent passing of Parliament of the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014. The key changes to the Act which are of most relevance are as follows: Parental Leave changes: An employer cannot refuse […]
Need to recruit driving or logistics staff? National Retail Association members can try 123jobs for free during December! Whether you’re looking for someone to deliver pizzas, drive a B-Double on the highway or a forklift in your warehouse, 123jobs specialises in all kinds of transport and logistics jobs. 123jobs has over 15,000 qualified candidates registered […]
As a business owner or manager, you deal on a daily basis with a wide range of expenses – some large and some small, but each one impacting on your bottom line. And, no doubt you often stop to reflect on the worth of each overhead to your ultimate performance. Membership of an industry association […]
The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal has allowed an ex-employee to proceed with a claim of discrimination, after documents were obtained with enough evidence for the complainant to make a case. According to the employee, who worked for the Salvation Army as a store supervisor, she was unfairlysuspended on the basis of her […]
NRA would like to congratulate Clennett’s Mitre 10 Retail store, MEGT and Whitelion for winning the Industry Collaboration Award at the annual Australian Training Awards for their Certificate II in Retail traineeship program, created to provide long-term employment and training opportunities to vulnerable youth in the Tasmanian communities of Mornington, Kingston and Huonville. Clennett’s Mitre […]
Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday this year, an extra public holiday was gazetted by the Queensland Government on Monday 28 December. For major retailers in regional areas of Queensland, this meant that they could not open their doors for four consecutive days over the Christmas Period – namely December 25, 26, 27 and […]
Aussies are spending more than ever before but visiting stores less, according to a snapshot of the country’s retail sector released this week. The annual Roy Morgan State of the Nation report this year featured a special focus on retail. It found spending on commodities topped $100 billion for the year to June, with approximately […]
In this case update, the NRA Legal team reviews the recent Fair Work Commission decision on 16 November 2015 of Sharon Bowker, Annette Coombe and Stephen Zwarts v DP World Melbourne Limited T/A DP World; Maritime Unions of Australia, The, Victorian Branch and Others [2015] FWC 7312. This decision provides much-needed insight into the scope […]
Inspiration drives motivation and motivation drives change. There is no better way to be inspired than the Westfield World Retail Study Tour. This intensive world tour will excite all senses as you experience some of the best retailers from around the world. Seeing the latest trends in retailing will leave you motivated to drive […]
Given the public holidays that are fast approaching, members are reminded of the following matters arising out of section 114 of the Fair Work Act 2009 when requesting employees to work on a public holiday: 1. An employee is entitled to be absent from work on a day or a part-day that is a public […]
Service Skills Australia (SSA) has undertaken a major review of the Retail Services Training Package. To inform this review process, SSA has collaborated with key industry associations, employers, and representative bodies and groups to undertake a detailed job analysis and define industry job roles and skills needs. After consultation and feedback was received on Draft […]
With only five weeks to go until Christmas, we’re well into the swing of the festive season. Last week, we welcomed the New South Wales Government’s landmark decision to allow retailers across New South Wales to open their doors on one of the biggest trading days of the year – Boxing Day. Previously, Boxing […]
Following a 12 month transition period, from 12 November 2016, a new law will protect small businesses from unfair terms in standard form contracts. The law will apply where the contract: is for the supply of goods or services or the sale or grant of an interest in land; at least one of the parties […]
The National Retail Association (NRA), in collaboration with event partners BDO and the National Online Retailers Association (NORA), proudly present the, 2016 Australian Retail Study Tour in New York; the first of its kind! Join our Aussie conga line and be a part of the ultimate retail safari to the NRF Big Show in […]
The Energy Rating website has recently been updated to provide information and tools for retailers on the Energy Rating Label and how to estimate running costs of an appliance. The Energy Rating Label is part of broader Commonwealth, State and New Zealand initiative that aims to improve the energy efficiency of appliances sold in Australia […]