Employment contracts

It is important for employers to engage all employees on written contracts of employment. Well drafted employment contracts are necessary to protect the employer’s interests and reduce the risk of a dispute or claim. Employment contracts should be used, regardless of whether an employee is award-free, or covered by an enterprise agreement or award.

At a minimum, employment contracts should specify the employee’s status (i.e. full-time, part-time, casual, daily hire); agreement or award coverage; hours of work; duties; leave; remuneration; and termination of employment requirements. Employment contracts can also be used to impose important restrictions on employees such as the misuse of confidential information and intellectual property, or poaching clients or staff after the employment relationship ends.

We can prepare tailored employment contracts to suit your business, and provide related advice and assistance. We have an in-depth knowledge of the building and construction industry, and related industries, and can assist with drafting industry-specific terms of employment.

We can prepare contracts that are suitable for new or current employees. We can also review existing contracts and provide advice on their suitability.


Workplace policies

Workplace policies allow employers to set rules and procedures that apply to employees, and reduce the risk of liability in the event of an employee claim, or investigation by a regulator. The kinds of issues that can be the subject of workplace policies include: employee behaviour (i.e. respectful treatment); equal opportunity and anti-discrimination; leave procedures; workplace health and safety; information technology and phone or computer usage; drug and alcohol testing; inclement weather; and use of company vehicles.

It is important to ensure that policies are up to date and compliant with applicable legislation. We can review existing policies or prepare new policies that are tailored to your business and provide related advice and assistance. This includes options for making policies available to employees, training, and advising on disciplinary matters arising from a breach of policy.