Bizz3228 event to talk about sickness and injury at work

THE next Bizz3228 networking event from Torquay Commerce and Tourism will discuss managing sick or injured employees.

The event, to be held next week, will be sponsored by regional law firm Coulter Roache and feature managing principal and head of litigation and dispute resolution Martin Reid and senior lawyer in litigation and dispute resolution Simone Welsh.

Coulter Roache’s website lists litigation and dispute resolution as one of their fields of expertise, and an article written by Mr Reid last year notes that employers would argue “pulling a sickie” is ingrained in Australian culture.

“Employers are often sceptical about the reasons for an employee’s absence, especially when such absences fall repeatedly on a Friday or a Monday and no doubt ask themselves: is there anything I can do about it?” he wrote.

“The Fair Work Act 2009 (Commonwealth) prohibits an employer from dismissing an employee due to their temporary absence from the workplace due to sickness or injury. An employee need only submit a medical certificate or statutory declaration as evidence of their ill health.”

He said the question of whether an employer could never take action against an employee for “pulling a sickie” if that employee had a doctor’s note had been considered by the courts at least twice, with differing outcomes.

Coulter Roache’s previous appearance at Bizz3228, in December 2017, was about the legal implications of the office Christmas party.

The Bizz3228 event will be held at the RACV Torquay Resort on Wednesday, October 17 from 6.30-8.30pm.

Tickets are free for TCT members and $25 for non-members.

To book, head to torquaycommerce.com.au/events.