24 - Unfair dismissal and transferring employees

In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush provides practical legal guidance on handling unfair dismissal for Australian small businesses. Melissa explains the concept of unfair dismissal under the Fair Work Act of 2009, detailing who is protected and the conditions under which an unfair dismissal claim can be made. The episode includes a real-life case study involving a barista and a cafe owner to highlight key points and mistakes to avoid. Melissa also offers actionable steps for business owners to respond to unfair dismissal claims and improve their dismissal processes to comply with legal standards. Key takeaways include understanding casual worker protections, the importance of documenting employment processes, and the need for clear communication when buying a business.

00:00 Welcome to Business Know How

00:54 Understanding Unfair Dismissal

01:56 Eligibility for Unfair Dismissal Claims

03:30 Buying a Business: Employee Considerations

05:07 Case Study: The Barista's Unfair Dismissal

08:14 Responding to an Unfair Dismissal Claim

10:07 Actionable Lessons for Business Owners

11:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Fair Work Unfair Dismissal

Small Business Fair Dismissal Code and Checklist

When businesses change owners