Employment uncertainty for Australian workers will be the outcome of the Rudd Government’s proposed new IR laws according to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA). ARA executive director Richard Evans yesterday told the Senate Inquiry into the Fair Work Bill small retailers would look at the flexibility within their employment structure to minimise the impact of the Fair Work Bill and increased wage bills.

Fair Work Australia’s ultimate ability to determine the terms and conditions of employment is a costly load that will cripple SME retailers unless they alter their workforce by shifting full-time workers to casual and part-time employment, Evans said.

The new IR laws and the resulting focus on casual staffing will, said Evans, diminish the security of employment for workers who are trying to access other personal finance including home loans. Australian small business will be over burdened with compliance he added.

Retailers are not just large employers – they are working families trying hard to get ahead – and they don’t need increased legislation; increased compliance costs; increased worry; and increased intrusion into their family business.

This Senate Inquiry must give clear direction to the Government to provide adequate education and training for small business operators to ensure they meet their requirements under the law by the required time. To not to do so would fail the entire small business structure within Australia.î