Employers uncertain about aspects of Fair Work Act

Almost one in five employers has rated their understanding of and readiness for 'good faith bargaining' as below average or poor, according to research carried out by law firm DLA Phillips Fox.

DLA Phillips Fox conducted a survey of employers ahead of the introduction of the Fair Work Act which will take effect on 1 July 2009, to ascertain how well companies were prepared for the introduction of the new general protections for employees, as well as the requirement for good faith bargaining. 

The survey, titled 'Fair Work Act - Are You Ready?' was sent to human resources and employee relations professionals, in house legal counsel and senior management figures across a broad cross section of industries including financial services, construction and manufacturing to name a few.

162 respondents completed the survey and the results revealed some interesting findings:

1. Almost one in five respondents said their understanding and readiness for good faith bargaining was below average or poor.
2. Less than one in five respondents said their company had taken steps to protect sensitive information that can be requested during good faith bargaining. 
3. There are high levels of concern around responding to union requests for information.
4. While most respondents said their organisation was well prepared for the new legislation, there were gaps in their awareness when it came to some of the key changes.

Partner at law firm DLA Phillips Fox, Allan Drake-Brockman said the results showed that employers were concerned or uncertain about some aspects of the new legislation:

'The first few months of life under the new Act will be challenging for employers. For many they will be learning as they go. The survey results suggest that the level of preparedness of some employers places them at risk of running foul of the new laws. The next few months will be an education for all and for some that education might be uncomfortable."

For more information contact:

Allan Drake-Brockman
Partner, DLA Phillips Fox
+61 8 6467 6205
allan.drakebrockman@dlaphillipsfox.com

Clare Buttner
Media Relations Consultant, DLA Phillips Fox
+ 61 2 9286 8400
clare.buttner@dlaphillipsfox.com