VECCI has welcomed the news last week that the Reserve Bank kept interest rates on hold after much speculation that a rise was inevitable. This was welcome news for many businesses, which despite some positive economic signs, are still recovering from last year’s downturn. Assisting employers in terms of cost minimisation is essential in encouraging greater employment and investment levels.

Another matter that was given broad media coverage on Friday was the issue of the new Retail Award banning employers from offering shifts to employees of less than three hours. The issue came to light in The Australian newspaper on Friday. VECCI believes this clause will create inflexibility for employers, and will damage opportunities for young people to gain employment while at school. This provision will not assist in equipping younger people with the valuable skills gained from part-time or after school work. VECCI will express member concerns to the Government to encourage greater flexibility for these type of working arrangements. It will also affect part-time mothers and mature-aged workers at a time when we are trying to retain ageing workers in the workforce.

VECCI is keen to hear your experiences with this issue. Are you a retail business owner who offers their employees less than three hour shifts to work around school, TAFE or university? Leave your experiences at the VECCI Blog. The feedback will be valuable in our ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of employers.