Losing a job can affect your life financially and emotionally, especially when you suffer an unfair dismissal. You have employee rights, and your organisation should respect those as long as you work there.
In Brisbane and most of Queensland, employees have suffered bullying at the workplace, according to a report by “Psychosocial health and safety and bullying in Australian workplaces”. It reveals a noticeable rise in mental stress claims since 2016.
If you work in Brisbane and have lost your job because of unfair dismissal, you should contact a law firm like Attwood Marshall’s Brisbane office. They will represent you and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
But what are some examples of unfair dismissal, and how can your attorney help you? What are some things you should know about employment disputes?
Why should you contact a lawyer?
Employers are often at an advantage while dealing with disputes because they have the money, resources, access to a vast team of lawyers, and extra funds which they can use to win their case. They have an unfair advantage from the very start.
You might find it challenging to prove your case or be unaware of the proper steps to be followed in such matters. Having a lawyer by your side will provide you with the legal expertise, moral support, and advice you require.
How does the law define workplace bullying?
It is essential for you to know the Queensland Government’s definition of workplace bullying, and the information below will give you an idea.
Unreasonable behaviour
Any repeated unreasonable behaviour that risks your safety and well-being constitutes bullying. Unreasonable behaviour includes humiliating, victimising, intimidating, or threatening.
Examples of workplace bullying include offensive language, unjustified complaints, withholding essential work-related information, spreading misinformation, and setting unreasonable timelines.
Sexual harassment
The term also includes sexual harassment, referred to as unwelcome sexual attention. The Anti-Discrimination Act of 1991 (applicable for all of Australia, including Brisbane and Queensland) defines sexual harassment as unwelcome physical touching, unwanted requests for sex, sexual material, and sexual literature.
If you have experienced bullying at your workplace, you should contact your lawyer immediately. They will assess your claim and suggest the steps you should take, for example, seeking an order from the Fair Work Commission in Brisbane.
What should you know about Employment Law?
It refers to the law governing the employer and employee relationships and is regulated by the State and Commonwealth governments. However, if you have a job in Brisbane or Queensland, you are protected by the Commonwealth Fair Work Laws.
Types of claims you can make
You can contact your lawyer to make an Employment claim if you have been mistreated. Some claims are related to discrimination, unfair dismissal, wrongful termination, bullying and harassment, work accidents and injuries, and industrial disputes.
Time limits for making the claim
According to the Australian government’s Fair Work Commission, you can make an application for unfair dismissal within 21 days from your dismissal date. The Commission might extend this period only in the rarest of circumstances.
You must contact your attorney on the day of the dismissal, so they can plan the next move and act accordingly. Your lawyer can only represent you if the Commission permits them.
If you are unhappy with the settlement reached by the FTC, you can appeal the decision through your lawyer.
How much compensation will you receive?
The exact compensation amount depends on various factors, including the duration of employment, income history, your conduct, employer’s conduct, and the income you would have received if the company hadn’t dismissed you.
You should not lose time in contacting Attwood Marshall’s Brisbane office. if your employer has dismissed you on unfair grounds. They will guide you with the claims process and ensure you receive justice.
