Seamus Burke, a partner in the Middletons Workplace Relations & Safety Group, discusses the potential implications for businesses when employing work experience students. The Fair Work Act determines that these type of vocational placements must meet three specific criteria. Seamus warns that employers risk certain consequences if these criteria are not all met, including the student being classified as an employee for the period of the placement which could entitle the student to payment of wages and superannuation, which may lead to an investigation and prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
While continuing to offer work experience for students is encouraged, employers must be mindful to keep any written records of offer as well as considering relevant insurance and OHS induction for work experience students.
To listen to the radio interview, please click here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.