Workplace disputes can be stressful, confusing, and costly when left unaddressed. Whether you’re an employer trying to manage your team fairly or an employee who feels they’ve been treated unfairly, understanding workplace rights is essential. Employment law in NSW provides clear protections for both parties, but navigating these rules without professional guidance can be challenging.

At Complete Legal, we’re one of the only firms in Penrith with a dedicated employment law offering. We help employers understand their obligations and support employees in protecting their rights. Recently, we spoke with our employment lawyer, David Hampton, to clarify what workplace rights mean in practice and how legal advice can help both employers and employees.

What Are Workplace Rights?

Every employee in NSW has the right to be treated fairly at work. Workplace rights are legal protections designed to prevent adverse action by employers, including discrimination based on:

• Race
• Age
• Physical or mental disability
• Marital status
• Carer’s responsibilities
• Other protected attributes under the Fair Work Act 2009

These rights ensure that employees can perform their duties and exercise their legal entitlements without fear of unfair treatment or reprisal.

Common Workplace Rights Issues: Family and Carer’s Responsibilities

One of the most common workplace rights issues we encounter at our Penrith office involves family and carer’s responsibilities. Parents and carers have legal protections when they need to take time off to care for their children or other dependents.

Example scenario: A parent receives a call from their child’s school because the child is unwell and needs to go home. As the primary carer, the parent requests time off to collect their child. If the employer reprimands the employee for this request, it may constitute adverse action and breach workplace rights.

However, these protections have reasonable limits. Taking time off to help a friend or a distant relative does not automatically fall under family or carer’s responsibilities. The Fair Work Act provides clear guidelines to help employers distinguish between legitimate requests and situations that fall outside these protections.

How Employment Law Protects Employers

While workplace rights primarily protect employees, employment law also benefits employers by providing a clear framework for managing their workforce fairly and consistently. These guidelines help employers:

• Understand their legal obligations
• Support employees appropriately
• Maintain operational fairness
• Avoid costly disputes and legal action

When employers understand the rules around workplace rights, they can create policies and procedures that support their employees while protecting the business from potential claims.

What Should You Do If You’re Facing a Workplace Rights Issue?

Whether you’re an employer or an employee, identifying discrimination or unfair treatment in the workplace can be stressful and confusing. Professional legal advice can help you:

• Understand your rights and obligations
• Assess whether adverse action has occurred
• Explore your options for resolution
• Take appropriate steps to resolve the matter fairly and efficiently

At Complete Legal, we guide both employers and employees through the process, explaining their options in clear, straightforward terms. Our goal is to help you resolve workplace disputes before they escalate into costly legal proceedings.

Why Seek Employment Law Advice Early?

Employment law can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Seeking professional legal advice early can:

• Prevent disputes from escalating unnecessarily
• Ensure that workplace rights are respected for both employees and employers
• Save time and money by resolving issues efficiently
• Protect your reputation and working relationships

Whether you’re an employer concerned about compliance or an employee who believes your workplace rights have been breached, early legal advice can make all the difference.

Talk to Penrith’s Employment Law Specialists

Complete Legal is proud to be one of the only firms in Penrith offering dedicated employment law advice. We can advise and represent both employers and employees, helping you understand your rights and obligations under NSW employment law.

If you’re facing a workplace rights issue or need advice on employment law matters, don’t wait until the problem escalates. Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.