Employment law updates – March 2023

Keeping up with legislative changes and decisions that impact people management is essential for businesses of all sizes.

In this monthly blog, we share some of the latest updates and insights from our in-house employment law specialist, Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani.

From minimum wage increases to changes in workplace safety regulations, we’ll help you stay informed so you can navigate these changes with ease.

Australia

Change to Fair Work Act relating to sexual harassment – effective from 6 March 2023

• The Fair Work Act has been amended to prohibit (or ban) sexual harassment in connection with work, including in the workplace
• This change means a person or company can be liable for sexual harassment conducted by an employee or agent in connection with work
• Employers will need to show all reasonable steps taken to prevent the sexual harassment
• Read more here

Change to Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (QLD) – effective from April 2023

• The change relates to management of psychosocial hazards in the workplace in Queensland
• Psychosocial hazards are anything in the workplace that may cause psychological or physical harm
• Now, PCBUs are required to adopt processes for eliminating psychosocial risks, so far as is reasonably practicable, or in some circumstances to minimise these risks
• Read more here

New Zealand

Minimum wage increase – effective from 1 April 2023

• Adult minimum wage will go up, from $21.20 to $22.70 per hour
• Starting-out and training minimum wage will go up from $16.96 to $18.16 per hour
• Read more here

United Kingdom

Minimum wage increase – effective from 1 April 2023

• Workers aged 23 and over: £10.42 an hour (National Living Wage)
• Workers aged 21-22: £10.18 an hour
• Development rate for workers aged 18-20: £7.49 an hour
• Young workers rate for workers aged 16-17: £5.28 an hour
• Apprentice rate: £5.28 an hour
• Read more here

Malaysia

There are currently no significant legal updates, however, there were a number of changes implemented on 1 January 2023, including:

• Maximum working hours for employees will be reduced from 48 hours to 45 hours per week
• Paid maternity leave period has been extended from 60 days to 98 days
• Married male employee can take up to 7 consecutive days of paid paternity leave for each confinement
• 60 days of paid sick leave if hospitalization is necessary
• 14 to 22 days (subject to the length of service) if hospitalization is not necessary
• Learn more about these changes here

Disclaimer: The information in this article is current as at 15 March 2023, and has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its related bodies corporate (Employment Hero). The views expressed in this article are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional advice. The Information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this article. You should undertake your own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information in this article.