Proposed workplace bullying laws allow workers to claim compensation for being left idle

Workers in cushy jobs will be able to claim compo for being left idle, under national laws drawn up to combat bullying.

Employer groups have hit out at Safe Work Australia's "nanny state" rules, outlined in a draft code of practice that would be admissible in court cases. The code lists "not providing enough work" as a form of "indirect bullying", along with constantly changing deadlines or setting timelines that are difficult to achieve. It advises employers to ban pranks and discourage "exclusive clubs or cliques", so workers are not "ostracised" by colleagues.

The Australian Industry Group's representative on the board of Safe Work Australia, Mark Goodsell, said "It's easy for people to make an allegation and it is expensive and difficult for companies and management to rebut it."

The latest draft by Safe Work Australia states that "in some situations, behaviours may unintentionally cause distress and be perceived as bullying. For example, a manager or supervisor in a position of power may have a management style that seems to be strict or disciplinary when it is in fact bullying.”

The code has been put on ice pending the outcome of a parliamentary inquiry into bullying, ordered by Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry director David Goodwin said "employers are now responsible for virtually every aspect of wellbeing of their staff, whether they know about it or not”.

ACCI work health and safety manager Carolyn Davis said "the guidance must clearly distinguish bullying from legitimate management practices and reasonable management”.

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Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/national-bullying-laws-allow-workers-left-idle-to-claim-workers-compensation/story-e6frg6n6-1226504514022

Workplace bullying could be criminalised throughout Australia

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has backed a national version of workplace bullying laws introduced in Victoria last year, which criminalise serious workplace bullying. Under the changes, workplace bullies can face up to 10 years jail time. The Victorian law, also known as “Brodie’s Law” was established after the tragic suicide of 19-year-old Brodie Panlock, a waitress who faced relentless taunts and abuse at work.

In May 2012, Ms Gillard announced a national review into workplace bullying, which will assess the nature, causes and degree of workplace bullying. ''One way we could add to what we're doing now is to take Brodie's law nationally and to have a common national law to deal with bullying in the workplace,'' Ms Gillard said.

What impact does bullying have on your workplace?
According to the Australian Productivity Commission, workplace bullying costs employers and the Australian economy between $6 billion and $36 billion per year.

Employers are responsible for helping to prevent bullying and harassing behaviour in the workplace. It is in their interests to make it clear to everyone that such behaviour will not be tolerated. The costs to the business may include poor employee relations, low morale, inefficiency and potentially the loss of staff. Training all staff about the standards of behaviour expected can make it easier for all individuals to be fully aware of their responsibilities to others.

Vocam Training Videos
Workplace Bullying and Harassment
Social Media, Email and Online Etiquette
Maintaining a Harassment Free Office for Employees
Maintaining a Harassment Free Office for Managers
Violence at Work

E-learning Courses
Social Media, Email & Online Etiquette - E-Learning
Workplace Bullying & Harassment - E-Learning
Maintaining a Harassment Free Office for Employees E-Learning
Maintaining a Harassment Free Office for Managers E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Sources: The Sydney Morning Herald Safe to Work