Bookkeeping & Payroll Services for Small Businesses

  With Christmas less than 90 days away, employers should be turning their mind to planning and confirming their Christmas/New Year shutdown arrangements. What is a “shutdown”? A shutdown, sometimes referred to as a close down, occurs when an employer’s business (or part of the business) temporarily shuts down for a period of time. Shutdowns usually occur during holiday periods such as Christmas/New Year, when there is a decrease in general business activity or at other times when the specific business is not in demand. As part of the plain language review of modern awards, the Full Bench proposed a draft model clause in relation to annual leave shutdown provisions in modern awards. Previously, the modern awards contained different rules in relation to providing notice of taking annual leave during a shutdown and whether or not an employer could direct an employee to take annual leave in advance or leave without pay if there is insufficient accrued annual leave. In May 2023,

 

  The up-and-coming Christmas and festive period is also known as the ‘aged care season’ where family gatherings often bring to light the changing needs of aging parents. Parents may no longer be as independent as they once were and it can be a crucial period for discussing and planning for aged care, Here are a few points to consider: A robust conversation:  Family discussions can be difficult to start but not impossible  –  for example,  “Hey there, and before you go today, think we should have a quick chat about looking at some different accommodation and care possibilities next year to make your life simple and easier?”   Get care needs assessed:  Contact MyAgedCare for a care needs assessment, which is necessary to access government-funded aged care services .  Does your MyAgedCare assessment need to be updated? Not all facilities can look after any resident as they may need specialised care needs.   Consider Age Pension