Employment advice for Avon Valley small business

During October small businesses in the Avon Valley region will have the opportunity to brush up on their knowledge of the State's industrial laws.  The campaign will run from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October.

Executive Director of Labour Relations with the Department of Commerce, Mr Bob Horstman, said understanding employment law was essential for small business survival.

"It can save a business thousands of dollars by avoiding back payments of wages, meeting long service leave obligations, and observing employment laws," Mr Horstman said.
 
"The Avon Valley is home to many sole traders and partnerships covered by Western Australian employment law, and the Department is keen to improve its connection with regional communities," he said.

Research by the Department of Commerce shows that just on half the businesses in the York, Northam and Toodyay areas are in the State industrial relations jurisdiction.  Because of this, the Department will be offering free confidential advice on State employment practices and options to small business owners in the Avon Valley.

A highlight of the campaign is a free two hour workshop run by the Department of Commerce on Wednesday 28 October at the Lesser Hall in Northam.  The workshop is a must for small business owners and operators.

"If small business owners make a small investment in time, they can make a significant improvement in their business sustainability," Mr Horstman said.

"Most small business operators don't have the luxury of in house human resource expertise, but through the workshop and individual meetings they will have access to free and professional advice that will help improve their knowledge of and compliance with employment laws," Mr Horstman said.

The workshop will focus on recruitment, managing the employment relationship, and fair and lawful termination. Bookings for the workshop - and for individual meetings with Labour Relations officers - are essential and can be made by emailing ruth.crow@commerce.wa.gov.au or telephoning Ms Ruth Crow on 9222 7621.

The Labour Relations officers will be visiting Toodyay and York, as well as Northam.

Further information on Western Australian employment law can also be obtained by calling Wageline on 1300 655 266 or accessing the Department of Commerce website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/labourrelations.