Business owners must keep up with changing employment regulations to protect their interests and employees. However, this is easier said than done, especially when you’re just starting with your business. Before hiring people, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with local and federal laws regarding minimum wages, paid leave, discrimination, and harassment.
It gets even more challenging when your team increases from 5 to 500. Add to this the complexities of outsourcing, and you’ll probably have your hands full. You’ll need to hire an expert employment lawyer in times like these.
Reasons To Hire An Employment Lawyer
In Australia, employment law is covered by the Fair Work Act of 2009, Work Health and Safety Act of 2011, the Superannuation Guarantee Law, and other federal regulations. The best employment lawyer Sydney offers can help you navigate these laws and help you manage employee-employer relationships no matter the size or duration of your business.
So, when is the right time to hire an employment lawyer? Below are several situations when their expertise comes in handy.
1. Creating Employment Contracts
Employment contracts are a must, especially if you want amenable relations with your current or future employees. An employment lawyer can help you create a sound employment contract by checking its wording, scope, and duration.
The contract should detail the team member’s duties and responsibilities, expected salary, fringe benefits, and other incentives. In addition, the employment lawyer can also add non-disclosure statements or termination clauses that conform to applicable local, state, and federal laws.
2. Compliance With Labor Regulations
Apart from employment contracts, employment lawyers also help you stay abreast with the latest labor laws. Their insight is invaluable regarding overtime pay, maternity leave, workplace compensation, etc.
They review your employee handbooks to ensure company guidelines conform to all labor regulations. In addition, they may also suggest policies to address current workplace trends such as Covid-19 protocols, remote work, or hybrid environments. Employment lawyers can help you navigate changing payroll reporting procedures or comply with new employment laws.
3. Managing Special Employment Arrangements
There will also be instances when your company may need outsourcing services. You may need to hire a third party to perform a job for your company. As contractors and freelancers differ from your regular employees, you’ll need to consult an experienced labor lawyer to draft the necessary paperwork to govern such special employment arrangements.
Outsourcing agreements, non-disclosure statements, etc., can protect your business if something happens during your partnership. They will also safeguard the interests of the individuals concerned and ensure job security for in-house employees.
4. Ensuring Employee Terminations Are Legal
Terminations are often inevitable in a company. However, you can’t fire anyone at a whim. This is especially true if the team member concerned is part of a protected class or if they’ve recently complained of harassment or discrimination against your company. They will advise you on what steps to take so you can let go of a team member without getting sued for wrongful termination.
Seeking legal advice is also practical when you plan to lay off several employees. Your employment lawyer can review your existing severance package and make suggestions so you can accommodate your employees’ interests and protect your business from future liability.
5. Aid Startup Growth
Startups also need assistance from a seasoned employment lawyer. Founders can seek advice on how they can manage equity for early employees. Employment lawyers also advise regarding payment procedures and ensure payments are properly documented. They safeguard your startup and allow it to grow alongside sound management practices.
6. Require Legal Representation
Employment lawyers not only serve as business consultants for your new or growing business. There could be times when they’ll need to represent you for an administrative complaint.
For instance, a current or former team member may file a case against you for workplace harassment or wrongful termination. You may even find yourself in hot water if workers do not receive proper wages or your team member gets hurt after a workplace accident.
Once you receive a complaint, you’ll need to immediately hire an employment lawyer so you can provide a strong defense. They will tell you what steps to take and how you should respond to these allegations. Likewise, these lawyers will represent you throughout the legal proceedings. They are also vital during negotiations as they can help minimize damage to your company and your business reputation.
Conclusion
In summary, employment lawyers are essential to your business operations. Depending on your need during the employment cycle, they can act as consultants, legal representatives, or mediators.
They serve as consultants to various employment contracts and workplace policies so you can keep up with changing labor regulations. Employment lawyers also act as your business’ legal representative when you’re faced with allegations of unfair labor practices.
If matters worsen, employment lawyers can take on the role of mediators to resolve contract disputes, workplace investigations, and even court settlements. In all, they help you stay compliant with evolving labor laws so you can protect your interests and that of your employees.
