Fair Work Ombudsman Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is an independent statutory agency that was established by the Australian Government in 2009 to promote fair and productive workplaces in Australia. One of the key roles of the FWO is to investigate and enforce compliance with workplace laws, including the Fair Work Act 2009, the National Employment Standards (NES) and Modern Awards.
Part of the FWO`s approach to promoting compliance with workplace laws is to enter into voluntary agreements with employers to improve their compliance practices. These agreements are known as Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnerships.
What is a Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership?
A Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership is an agreement between the FWO and an employer, which sets out the employer`s commitments to improve its compliance with workplace laws. The terms of the agreement will vary depending on the nature and size of the employer`s business, but it may include commitments to:
– Conduct regular self-audits of the employer`s compliance with workplace laws
– Implement systems and processes to ensure compliance with workplace laws
– Provide training to employees on their workplace rights and obligations
– Cooperate with FWO investigations of workplace law breaches
– Report to the FWO on the employer`s compliance with the agreement
Why would an employer enter into a Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership?
There are a number of reasons why an employer might voluntarily enter into a Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership, including:
– Demonstrating a commitment to compliance with workplace laws
– Avoiding potential legal action by the FWO for breaches of workplace laws
– Improving the reputation of the business with customers, employees and the wider community
– Reducing the risk of employees making complaints to the FWO about workplace law breaches
– Accessing additional support and resources from the FWO to improve compliance practices
What are the benefits of a Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership?
The benefits of entering into a Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership will depend on the specific terms of the agreement, but some potential benefits include:
– Reduced risk of workplace law breaches and associated legal costs
– Improved compliance practices leading to better business outcomes
– Increased employee satisfaction and productivity due to better awareness of their workplace rights and obligations
– Improved reputation of the business with customers, employees and the wider community
– Access to additional support and resources from the FWO
How can an employer enter into a Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership?
Employers who are interested in entering into a Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership should contact the FWO for more information. The FWO will typically work with the employer to assess their current compliance practices and identify areas where improvements can be made. The employer will need to provide detailed information about their business operations, including their workforce size, industry sector and compliance history.
Conclusion
Entering into a Fair Work Ombudsman Compliance Partnership can be a valuable way for employers to improve their compliance with workplace laws, reduce the risk of legal action, and improve their reputation with customers, employees and the wider community. Employers who are interested in entering into a partnership should contact the FWO for more information about the process and requirements.