A series of vital employer workplace relations updates will be held in northern Victoria over February, says VECCI.

VECCI General Manager – Workplace Relations, Mr David Gregory, said it was vital that employers attended the briefings.

"The updates will cover termination and redundancy issues as well as a series of current workplace relations issues, such as Easter shop trading restrictions and the latest on the rollout of Federal award coverage across the Victorian workforce", says Mr Gregory.

The termination and redundancy section of the briefing will outline:

·        Steps employers should take to protect themselves before initiating any action that might lead to the termination of an employee;

·        Organisational consequences;

·        Psychological consequences;

·        Termination with and without notice;

·        Unfair dismissal and unlawful dismissal; and

·        Developments likely to flow from the redundancy test case that was before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in late 2003.

Issues covered during the general update will include:

·        Changes to sick leave provisions and the introduction of carers' leave in State Industry Sectors;

·        WorkSafe Victoria Update;

·        Uniform Systems legislation rollout update;

·        An update on the ACTU's 'work and family' claims; and

·        Easter shop trading restrictions.

"This briefing is specifically designed for regional employers – with so many changes occurring, it is crucial that employers attend", says Mr Gregory.

When and where:

Wednesday 18 February	BENDIGO, VECCI, 21 Short Street Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Registration: 8.45am
Wednesday 18 February	ALBURY, Sundowner Paddlesteamer Lodge, 324 Wodonga Place Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm Registration: 5.15pm
Thursday 19 February	WANGARATTA, Averleigh, 54 Ovens Street Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Registration: 8.45am
Thursday 19 February	SHEPPARTON, Shepparton Club, 455 Wyndham Street Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm Registration: 5.15pm