News and Reviews
Disabled workers disproportionately victims of wage theft
Disabled workers disproportionately victims of wage theft
Slater and Gordon Lawyers
Research shows that workers with disability are overrepresented in the gig economy and are more likely to work casual hours. For that reason, new employment laws that seek to allow the introduction of minimum standards for these workers cannot afford to be delayed any further.
These minimum standards include pay, penalty rates, superannuation, payment terms, record-keeping, insurance, representation, consultation, working time and potentially a right to annual leave depending on the worker’s situation. With the gig economy on an upward trajectory, these minimum standards should be introduced sooner rather than later.
Slater and Gordon Lawyer in Industrial and Employment law Cassandra Grey said that a significant number of people with disabilities rely on gig economy work to help meet their basic needs of daily life.
The Final Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability published on 2 November 2023, details the evidence received by the Disability Royal Commission — regarding widespread wage theft among firms that hire disabled workers as well as recommendations to ensure truly inclusive employment for workers with disabilities.
The Disability Royal Commission heard evidence from the Australian Human Rights Council that people with disability are more likely than others to work casual hours and work in the gig economy. This means that they are still working without minimum standards and secure pay as the cost-of-living rises, often with additional expenses they must pay for related to their disability.
“This just demonstrates how vital it is to enshrine workers’ rights in these industries, so no workers with disabilities continue to slip through the cracks and the human right of disabled people to be employed in just and favourable conditions can be fully realised.
“Gig economy workers can have low bargaining power, low authority over their work and often receive pay at or below the rates of comparable employees, without the security and protection afforded to employees under Australian industrial relations law. Casual employees also face potential uncertainty of available work usually without any leave entitlements.
Research shows that workers with disability are overrepresented in the gig economy and victims to wage theft.
“People with disabilities already face tremendous hurdles in the workforce, including finding suitable employment, accessing reasonable adjustments, prejudicial attitudes of employers, discrimination and wage theft. So it’s disappointing, but unsurprising that they’re having to turn to the gig economy to make ends meet,” Ms Grey said.
The proposed reforms will allow the Fair Work Commission to exercise its new jurisdiction to ensure gig economy workers receive added workplace protections. The changes will also make wage theft a criminal offence throughout Australia, increase civil penalties for underpayment offences, prevent employers paying labour hire employees lower rates of pay than their direct employees and amend the defence available to employers who are accused of sham contracts.
The reforms will also make it easier for casual employees to choose to change to permanent employment, provide greater protection from discrimination for employees (including prospective employees) who experience family and domestic violence, and allow digital platform workers to contest unfair deactivation from the apps they work through. Deactivation occurs where a gig economy worker is removed from an app, preventing them from earning an income.
“The statistics emerging from the Disability Royal Commission of the rates of violence, abuse, and neglect of disabled people in Australia are shocking, and it’s time that family and domestic violence was recognised as a protected attribute in anti-discrimination legislation.
“Stable and secure employment benefits both employees and employers. Employers who underpay workers should be made to pay civil penalties proportionate to the amount of the underpayment.”
“These reforms for gig economy and casual workers would positively impact many vulnerable workers who can face substantial power imbalances up against large digital platform employers and should not be delayed.
“Workers with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to being left behind and it’s imperative that our industrial relations system protects the rights of all workers,” Ms Grey said.
For more business news, click here.
New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village
Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd are taking steps to add a collection of modern retirement residences and amenities to their village in High Street. They are in the early phase of planning a new development to be called Callisto Coastal Retirement.
Sasha Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd is excited about the plans. “We are very proud to be adding Callisto Coastal Retirement to our community.” Ms Andrews said. “We are part of a great community in a fantastic location and aim to set the benchmark for premium retirement living in Woolgoolga.”
At this early stage, they are keen to get input from the local community of future residents to help create the perfect coastal retirement. A Feedback Forum is being offered to eligible potential residents aged 55+, providing an opportunity to learn more, convey their thoughts, ideas and insights around design and services, features, amenities and priorities.
The new development has the support of the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit, community owned organisation. Chairperson, Ian Wade said “Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village has played an important role in the community for many years and we want to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our seniors for years to come. We have a great opportunity to provide quality retirement living, built with future residents in mind.”
A community Feedback Forum is planned for Tuesday 7 May. For details and to register to attend, go to the website here. For more on the Woolgoolga Retirement Village, visit here.
For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.
Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore
Albert Park Baseball Grounds
Keen Street Lismore
8am Sunday 19th May 2024
Join a fun community activity to fundraise and raise dementia awareness. Last year, more than 10,000 people walked, jogged and ran in cities and towns across Australia for people impacted by dementia. Dementia awareness
Lismore events include a 10km run, a 5km jog/walk or a 1km walk so that the day is inclusive of all levels of physical ability.
There will be information stalls providing details of supports, local resources and services to help those impacted by dementia, as well as food and drinks.
Form a team from your workplace, local club, friends or family (dress up to make it fun!) and enter the 1km walk, 5km jog/walk or a 10km run. Get lots of sponsors!
To register a team or take part as an individual go to:
www.memorywalk.com.au/event/lismore-myway
Dementia awareness
Currently, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and overall, it is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
Dr Jones says ‘The ageing population in the Northern Rivers is growing at an exponential rate. Our region is one of the highest ageing communities in NSW and this comes with increasing rates of those impacted by dementia in our community. I’m quite keen to see that we adopt more preventable approaches against dementia in our region’. Dementia awareness
Dr Jones says ‘There are many things we can do to prevent dementia or delay your risk of developing dementia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, in particular regular exercise can make a significant difference’.
“We encourage the whole community to come together, not only to raise money for
Dementia Australia, but also to exercise together and to fight this disease” says Dr Jones.
The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 199
Public Invited to Review and Comment on Council’s Draft Budget and Operational Plan
Private Health Insurance Costs Under Scrutiny as Premiums and Profits Soar
Anzac Day Services Northern Rivers – Comprehensive Guide for the Region
Jewellery Design Centre Launches “Tell Our Stories” to Celebrate Lismore’s History
Lifeline Opens Northern Rivers Warehouse and Shop in Goonellabah
A NEW TWEED HEADS
Toyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
Northern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
Northern Rivers COVID-19 update
Fears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
Teenager Charged with Terrorism Offence After Sydney Church Stabbing
Teenager Charged with Terrorism Offence After Sydney Church Stabbing In a significant development, a 16-year-old adolescent has been formally charged...
What do you do if you are the first on the scene of a crash, or arrive before emergency services?
What do you do if you are the first on the scene of a crash, or arrive before emergency services?...
Next major step in reforming emergency services funding
Next major step in reforming emergency services funding The public is invited to have their say on the best...
-
Tweed Shire News2 years agoA NEW TWEED HEADS
-
Motoring News1 year agoToyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoNorthern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoNorthern Rivers COVID-19 update
-
Northern Rivers Local News3 years agoFears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
-
Health News3 years agoCOVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoLismore Family Medical Practice employee close contact
-
NSW Breaking News3 years agoVale: Former NSW prison boss Ron Woodham
