In the News...

• From 1 January 2011 the new Australian paid Parental Leave scheme will start. Eligible working parents of children born (or adopted) on or after 1 January 2011 may get 18 weeks Government funded pay (at the national minimum wage rate [currently] $570 (gross) per week), to help them care for their new baby. Full details and any queries regarding this scheme and its impact on your business can be obtained by contacting our office on 02 9460 7022
• The ABS reports that of the 12 million people who had worked at some time in the last 12 months, 5.3% experienced a work-related injury or illness during that time. The majority (88%) of the 640,700 people who experienced a work-related injury or illness continued to work in the job where their injury or illness occurred. Approximately 5.2% had changed jobs and the remaining 6.9% were not working (at the time of the review)
• The [National] Annual Wage Review will be conducted between March and June 2011. This timeframe will allow all interested parties the opportunity to participate in the ‘consultation’ process with the Minimum Wage [review] Panel
• Australia’s unemployment rate dropped by 0.2 percentage points to 5.2% in November 2010. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported the number of people employed increased by 54,600 to 11.417 million, seasonally adjusted, in November. The rise in employment was driven by an increase in full-time employment, up 55,100 people to 8.033 million, which was partially offset by a decrease in part-time employment, down 400 people to 3.384 million. The ABS reports the highest level of labour force participation in November of 66.1% which is a rise of 0.1% from October.