UNFAIR DISMISSAL HITS AN ALL-TIME HIGH

UNFAIR DISMISSAL HITS AN ALL-TIME HIGH

UNFAIR dismissal claims have flooded the workforce, prompting employers to seek help from specialists in abating the stream of disgruntled former employees.

The number of ex-staff members filing for compensation has hit a record high, with statistics released by Employsure showing that 43 per cent of claims made to the company between February 2014 and May 2015 were related to unfair dismissal.

Employsure managing director Edward Mallet (pictured) says while unfair dismissal laws are designed to protect workers from unjust bosses, the number has blown out of proportion.

"There is no doubt this is a major issue for employers," says Mallet.

"Around two thirds of the companies that contact Employsure in the first instance have employment compliance issues or are involved in a workplace incident and need expert advice and assistance."

More than 17,800 unfair dismissal claims were lodged by employees with the Fair Work Commission last year.

This amounts to 70 claims a day, making it the highest number recorded annually to date.

The simplest way for employers to keep themselves out of an employee's firing line following termination is to be transparent from the get-go, according to Employsure.

"Employers need to train staff on good conduct and include clear descriptions of unacceptable behaviour in employee handbooks," says Mallet.

Other advice for employers to consider in trying to avoid disputes include keeping all company policies out in the open, ensuring consistency in treatment of all workers and receiving expert advice wherever necessary.

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