Welcome to the July 2024 edition of LHA News
New year reminders for labour hire businesses / LHA data snapshot – 2023-24 in numbers / New communications campaign for meat and poultry workers
New year reminders for labour hire businesses / LHA data snapshot – 2023-24 in numbers / New communications campaign for meat and poultry workers
The start of a new financial year is an opportunity for providers to ensure they are up to date with their licence details and legal obligations.
2023-24 saw the highest ever number of labour hire licences in force, and record-breaking compliance and enforcement action
It is important to understand your obligations as a franchise business when supplying labour hire.
The campaign will run throughout July, covering digital, social media and press channels
Engagement activities included information sessions, webinars and expos – with more to come
LHA highlights licensing actions each month, to increase industry transparency and to inform and assist businesses with compliance.
List of providers subject to licensing action in April / Know the signs of human trafficking / Non-compete clauses under government review
LHA will highlight its licensing actions each month, to increase industry transparency and to inform and assist businesses with compliance.
Signs of human trafficking may include withholding wages or travel documents and controlling movements.
The review aims to increase competition and productivity for businesses.
LHA increases its focus on education, engagement and compliance in the meat and poultry processing industries.
LHA’s program of engagement continues with WorkSafe and VDWC webinars in June.
LHA collaborates with FWO to enforce compliance / Busting myths about licensing obligations / Obligations when supplying transport or accommodation
Inspectors attended a farm in Melbourne’s south-east in April to investigate claims of wage underpayments.
Don’t get caught out by myths - know your obligations or risk the penalties.
Providers must meet minimum accommodation standards, and ensure drivers hold appropriate licences to remain compliant with their licensing obligations.
Providers and hosts each have responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace.
Upcoming activities include an information session in Bendigo, the Ballarat Business Day Out, and the Hort Connections Expo.
Security company’s licence application refused / Know the rules and classify workers correctly / Renew early or risk not being able to trade
The company was granted multiple deadline extensions, after repeated requests to provide evidence that it was compliant with legal obligations.
LHA has identified employee misclassification and related non-compliance as one of the most common risks for labour hire workers.
Labour hire providers and hosts should be aware of recent and upcoming changes, to ensure they continue to meet their legal obligations.
Providers run the risk of not being able to trade if they leave licence renewal too late.
LHA has recently connected with graduates entering the job market and accommodation regulators.
Submitting accurate annual reports / Caution on external advisers / Unpaid trials
Annual reporting ensures LHA better understands the labour hire industry, and can monitor and enforce compliance with licence requirements.
Most businesses rely on external advisers, so it’s crucial to know you’re getting the right advice.
There are a number of considerations to be aware of when asking a worker to undertake an unpaid trial.
The new reforms include tougher penalties, and powers to ban offending employers from hiring temporary migrants if found guilty.
The campaign covered digital, social media, radio and press channels, and was translated into a range of languages.
Upcoming engagement activities includes more information sessions for hosts and providers, as well as a presence at the upcoming Big Meet careers fair.
Victorian company and director fined for engaging unlicensed providers / Meat and poultry visits uncover non-compliance
The company engaged seven unlicensed labour hire providers to source workers for orchards in the Cobram area.
Several site visits uncovered a range of concerns, as LHA increases its focus on the meat and poultry industry.
LHA’s public registers are now quicker to use and easier to navigate.
Labour hire providers and hosts should be aware of recent changes, to ensure they continue to meet their legal obligations.
LHA commences 2024 engagement program throughout Victoria.