As a business owner or manager, it is important to understand your legal obligations when it comes to employing staff. One key component of this is providing a Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) to all new employees. But why is a FWIS crucial for your business?
Firstly, a FWIS provides your employees with important information about their rights and entitlements under the Fair Work Act 2009. It outlines key aspects of the employment relationship, including minimum wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination procedures. Providing this information upfront helps to establish trust with your employees and ensures that they are aware of their rights from the outset.
Secondly, providing a FWIS can help protect your business from legal issues down the track. If you fail to provide a FWIS to a new employee within the required timeframe (within the first 12 months of their employment), you can be fined up to $33,000 for a company or $6,600 for an individual. This is not a small sum, and it’s easily avoidable by simply providing a FWIS to all new employees.
In addition to these legal considerations, providing a FWIS can also have positive impacts on employee engagement and retention. By demonstrating that you are committed to providing your employees with the information they need to succeed in their roles, you can foster a sense of loyalty and trust. This can lead to higher employee satisfaction levels, lower turnover rates, and ultimately, a stronger and more successful business.
So, what should a FWIS include? According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, a FWIS should cover the following topics:
– The National Employment Standards and modern awards
– Types of employment (e.g. full-time, part-time, casual)
– Hours of work
– Leave entitlements (e.g. annual leave, personal/carers’ leave, compassionate leave, parental leave)
– Notice and termination of employment
– The right to request flexible working arrangements
– Individual flexibility arrangements
It’s also worth noting that a FWIS must be provided in a language and format that the employee can understand. If your business employs workers from diverse language or cultural backgrounds, it’s important to ensure that you are meeting these requirements.
In conclusion, providing a Fair Work Information Statement is not only a legal requirement, but also a valuable way to establish trust with your employees and protect your business from potential legal issues. Take the time to ensure that you are providing a comprehensive and accessible FWIS to all new employees, and you’ll be setting yourself and your employees up for success.
