Changes to unfair dismissal

On 1 January 2011, the definition of what constitutes a small business changed. Businesses must now have fifteen or less employees – including full time, part time and regular casual employees – to be considered a small business.

Companies no longer regarded as ’small business’ will not be able to rely on the small business unfair dismissal exemption. this means that employees will now qualify for such coverage after six months of employment, as opposed to the previous twelve.