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In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian employment laws, it’s essential for HR professionals and employers to stay abreast of recent developments to ensure compliance and foster a conducive work environment. One significant recent change is the Fair Work Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023, colloquially known as the “Closing the Loopholes Bill,” which brings about substantial reforms to the country’s workplace laws. These changes are poised to have far-reaching implications for employers, employees, and unions alike. Understanding the Key Provisions: 1. Same Job, Same Pay Measure: The Same Job, Same Pay…

As we embark on the intricate journey of navigating the financial landscape in 2024, it’s prudent to discuss a strategic ally: collaborating with a temporary placement agency (also commonly known as a labour hire agency). Let’s explore the myriad ways in which such collaboration can furnish your business with a competitive edge, offering flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency during periods of financial ambiguity. 1. Agile Workforce Solutions In an era characterised by economic unpredictability, the demand for flexible workforce solutions is more pronounced than ever. Temporary placement agencies specialise in…

Future-Proofing Your Staffing Hires Let’s face it – the job landscape is constantly evolving. With advancements in technology and an ever-increasing demand for specialised skills, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and fall behind. The secret to staying ahead of the game all lies in the hiring process. By carefully selecting candidates who have the potential to succeed in the years to come, you can secure a competitive edge in your industry. But how do you identify these future stars? Gone are the days when hiring was a simple process of…

Increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving job satisfaction The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a lot of changes in the workforce. Many businesses have had to adapt to new ways of working, and this has led to a shift in the types of roles that are in demand. One of the common themes that we are hearing at Blaze Staffing Solutions Pty Ltd is that it is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to fill permanent blue-collar roles. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, let’s talk flexibility. Over the…

As we fast approach July 1, businesses and workers are gearing up for the upcoming wage increases. With a 5.75% boost in award rates and an 8.6% rise in the national minimum wage, along with other financial adjustments, companies are facing tough decisions in an already challenging economic climate. However, amidst these changes, it’s important to consider the value of utilizing recruitment agencies to maintain flexibility and effectively scale up or down as businesses navigate these uncertain times. What are the real challenges for businesses? The wage increases pose significant…

  For any business, hiring the right people is essential. Time and financial pressures are real and if you deal with staffing levels and still have a full set of fingernails, you’re in the minority. Some labour hire hosts have failed to do their due diligence and taken the unethical approach to hiring known as sham contracting. And as we’ll see, sham contracting can have terrible consequences on both the workers that it exploits and the companies that make the mistake of engaging in it. What is sham contracting? We…

  On Monday, 30th March 2020 Blaze Staffing Solutions’ Melbourne Office will relocate to 2/12 Compark Circuit, Mulgrave. This move is a source of great pride for us as we move to a larger space that is equipped with the latest technology and furnishings, providing a more accessible and open hub for our staff and candidates. We look forward to welcoming clients, candidates, suppliers and stakeholders to our new offices to celebrate the new phase for our organisation after the restrictions associated with Covid-19 pandemic are lifted and it is…

  New labour laws come into effect from 30 October 2019 prohibiting business from using unlicensed labour hire providers. Previously, businesses, farms or other organisations that use the services of labour hire (also known as ‘hosts’) could be a little less careful about the providers they use to supply them with individuals to work in their businesses. But the Victorian Labour Hire Authority is promising a strict enforcement of the new licensing system, including the deployment of a team of inspectors with the authority to enter and search premises and…

There have been a number of developments relating to the labour hire licensing schemes in Victoria. On 23 October 2018, the Victorian Government introduced the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic) to support the operation of the Victorian labour hire licensing scheme. Recently, the Victorian Government announced that the remaining provisions of the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic) will take effect on 29 April 2019. These provisions relate to licensing obligations on providers of labour hire services and users of labour hire services. What does this mean? Under the…

Australia’s manufacturing and engineering skills shortage is no secret, yet, the need for dedicated labour is far from decreasing. In fact, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported an increase in manufacturing positions by almost 50,000 in the year leading up to May 2018. That’s a substantial number given these sectors continue to struggle to find, recruit and retain good people. With that in mind, there are actions organisations and hiring managers can undertake to combat the skills shortage and cultivate strategic recruitment practices. Recognise and Leverage Transferrable Skills Combine a…

A quick Google search and you’re likely to discover a mountain of readily available advice for job seekers; what’s lacking though, is literature that helps to determine the signs of a good recruiter from a job seeker’s perspective. As a job seeker, partnering with a recruiter can make or break your next move. And in the absence of industry-knowledge, it can be a confusing task trying to decipher what constitutes as a well-rounded, ethical recruitment provider. With that in mind, we’ve compiled 10 metrics that will help determine what to…