Starting a business is a huge undertaking. If you’re lucky enough to make it work, you’ll likely have to deal with all sorts of issues you’ll have no idea how to handle. One of the first things a successful business needs is employees, but that can be a daunting prospect if you’re unaware of the legalities involved between employer and employee. Finding employment lawyers in Melbourne to have on hand and advise you can be a huge weight off your shoulders. Read on to learn how an employment lawyer can help you.
Sorting out Employment Contracts
Very few small companies write their own employment contracts. Many copy boilerplate contracts found elsewhere, but it’s worth getting a qualified lawyer to read over your contract and make sure it’s suitable for your situation, and advise on any changes that may be required. As an employer, you assume a lot of responsibility for your employees while they’re working for you no matter where they are, so you need to thoroughly assess your situation and ask yourself questions like:
- Do employees stay on-site or travel to visit clients?
- Are employees required to sit at a desk in front of a computer all day?
- When posting job listings for employees, are you sure you’re being specific without being discriminatory?
- Are you meeting all your legal obligations as an employer?
All of the above questions and more can affect an employment contract, so if you’re unsure at all, it’s best to have an employment lawyer on hand to help.
Advising on Employment Disputes
No matter how smoothly a business is run, conflict is inevitable when working with people. Whether it’s by accident or otherwise, sometimes legal disputes arise between an employee and employer. Navigating these legal minefields can be very tricky, not to mention how stressful and disruptive a looming dispute can be to a business owner who is already run ragged just keeping the business afloat. Being able to get advice from employment lawyers in Melbourne can take away a lot of the stress, as they can guide you through the steps you need to take.
Help Remove Unwanted Employees
The hiring process can be very expensive for employers, and no matter how thorough you are, deciding to take someone on board is always a gamble. You hope it pays off, but sometimes it doesn’t. Getting rid of someone who’s not pulling their weight sufficiently can be a very tricky situation. Outside of gross negligence, removing employees is a very delicate situation, as there are many things you are and aren’t allowed to let go of someone for. An employment lawyer will be able to help with your situation, advising you on whether you have grounds to let them go and detailing the best way in order to do so while minimising potential conflict and avoiding costly disputes. Employment lawyers in Melbourne should save you more than their legal fees by mitigating and avoiding disputes before they arise when hiring and firing employees.
