EXPERT EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS IN NEWCASTLE AND SYDNEY

Many people, both employers and employees, can expect, at some stage in their careers or in the life of their business, to need professional advice from an employment lawyer. This may be before you start a new job, while you're doing it, when you leave, when you are considering a new hire or an update in your employee contracts.  

Our dedicated Newcastle and Sydney Employment Lawyers are here to provide our expert legal advice, in plain language, to provide you with confidence and reassurance. We offer advice and act for both employers and employees who are considered national system employees (i.e., anyone not employed by the State) and are covered by an award. 

Whether you are starting a new role or leaving your current one, your contract will play a crucial part in any decisions or steps you take. Our employment lawyers can review your employment contract to ensure that it contains all the benefits and entitlements you've been offered or answer any questions you have about how to handle termination, variations or leaving employment. 

Restraint-of-trade clauses are provisions in employment contracts that attempt to restrict a former employee's conduct after employment ends. The aim of these clauses is to mitigate the risk to the business left by the employee. Generally, these clauses aim to restrict a former employee from working for competitors or dealing with the business's clients and staff. Seeking legal advice regarding restraint covenants is important to ensure your future employment and business opportunities are not affected upon leaving. 

Sometimes workplace relationships break down, leaving an employee facing termination unfairly or without proper notice. This can be an incredibly stressful situation, given the everyday pressure of living expenses. If your employment is terminated and the circumstances appear unfair, unreasonable or harsh, you may have a claim for unfair dismissal. If you feel your termination may be unfair, it is important to seek legal advice promptly, as there is a strict 21-day time limit to take action. Unfair dismissal is a complex legal area, but our experienced employment lawyers are here to help guide you through what can be an incredibly challenging time. 

General protections are a set of rights under Australia’s Fair Work Act that shield employees from “adverse action,” such as dismissal, for exercising a workplace right, such as making a complaint against management or taking leave. Unlike an action for unfair dismissal, you do not need to have performed a minimum service period to make a general protections claim; however, the strict 21-day limitation period still applies in most cases. The burden in these claims is also shifted to the employer to prove that the adverse action taken was not for a prohibited reason. General protection claims can be complex and require expert legal advice in preparation. Our Lawyers are here to help you determine whether you have a claim and to assist you through the process.