March 2024 - The BelRose Group

25Mar

Wage Waves: A Look at Recent Remuneration Shifts

In the dynamic world of employment costs, understanding the trends and forecasts is crucial for businesses and employees alike. The past year has witnessed significant shifts in remuneration trends, especially as the market adjusts post-pandemic.

As of the third quarter’s end, there’s been a noticeable rise in median employment cost movements to 4.5%, a jump from 4% in the previous quarter and 3% from the same period last year. This increase surpasses pre-COVID-19 levels, marking a significant recovery and a continued upward trajectory.

However, a deeper dive reveals nuances in these movements. Organisations reviewing salaries in early 2023 registered a median increase of 5.1%, likely influenced by the higher inflation rates at 2022’s end. This trend then showed a gradual decline, with reviews in mid-2023 reflecting a 4.5% increase and later reviews in the year dropping to 4%.

The easing of inflation and slower economic growth are factors to watch, as they could significantly impact future remuneration trends.

12Mar

What Employers Need to Know: Duty of Care and Vaccine Directives Post-Tribunal Decision

In a recent landmark decision by the South Australian Employment Tribunal, the Department of Child Protection (DCP) has been ordered to compensate a youth worker, for pericarditis developed after receiving a Covid booster as mandated by workplace directives. Despite the DCP’s argument that the injury resulted from compliance with a Public Health Order rather than employment conditions, the Tribunal found the employer liable, emphasising the role of employment as a significant contributing cause.

For this matter, the human rights lawyer highlighted the importance of this ruling in setting a precedent for employer accountability for vaccine-related injuries incurred at work.