The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that work is performed
in most industries and workplaces.
Part of this change has involved some workers losing their jobs.
Early signs are that claims before the Fair Work Commission for
unfair dismissal have surged. On 25 May 2020 the general manager of
the Fair Work Commission, Ms Bernadette O'Neill said that
unfair dismissals have spiked by 70%.
Employers who determine to make a position redundant needed to
comply with some requirements. The very heart of the redundancy is
a decision by an employer that it no longer wishes the position to
be performed by anyone. It is not a redundancy to replace one
employee with another.
If a modern award or an enterprise applies to a particular
position, further requirements need to be complied with Central is
consultation. Consultation should take
place before any final decision to make
a position redundant is made. Any input provided by an employee
should be carefully considered.
