Hiring employees
Due to the impacts coronavirus is having on the community, a number of unions and employer associations are applying to the Fair Work Commission to increase award flexibility.
This may affect the resources on this page.
For a list of determinations and to see if your award is affected go to Temporary changes to workplace laws during coronavirus.
We’ve made it easier for you to find information about pay and entitlements under the Horticulture Industry Award.
For more tailored information about your Award, visit our Horticulture page.
Hiring a new employee is an important decision for your business. We have specialised resources to help you find the right person, get them started and meet your obligations under workplace laws.
Tips for hiring new staff
There are a few things you should know when you’re hiring staff, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.
Know the law
There are laws which give employees rights including minimum wages, pay slips, leave and notice of termination. You also need to know about tax, superannuation and workplace health and safety.
New Fair Work Information Statement
We’ve updated the Fair Work Information Statement to make it easier to understand minimum workplace entitlements.
Every worker in Australia needs to get a copy of the FWIS when they start a new job.
Download a copy from our Fair Work Information Statement page.
The FWIS is also available in over 30 languages. You can download a copy of the FWIS in your language from our Language help pages.
Thinking about hiring
Assess the current and future needs of your business and define the role you want to fill.
Attract the right people
Once you have a clear idea of the role you want to fill, advertise the position. Make sure the right people hear about it and want the job.
Choose the right person
Shortlist job applicants whose skills and experience best match the role, and ask interview questions that focus on the skills and abilities needed for the role.
Make an offer
Once you’ve chosen someone, contact them to offer them the job. It’s best to follow this up in writing with a letter of offer.
Start on the right foot
Invest time in a thorough introduction because this will help you get the most from your new employee. It will also make sure that your employee feels well-informed, welcomed and equipped to do their job.
Have a productive workplace
Meet with your new employee to set goals, expectations and training needs during the first few weeks. Then schedule regular catch-ups to talk about how they’re going.
Resources for hiring new staff
When you're hiring new staff, you can use our Guide to hiring new employees (DOCX 58.3KB)(PDF 162.3KB)to help you find the right employee for your workplace and get them started on the right track.
Once you've hired someone, you can provide them with our Guide to starting a new job (DOCX 35.6KB) (PDF 272KB), to help them understand their rights and obligations.
Resources for hiring an apprentice
Hiring an apprentice can be a great investment for your business and gives you the opportunity to guide and mentor the next generation of workers.
If you’re hiring an apprentice, use our Guide to taking on an apprentice (DOCX 56.9KB)(PDF 10.3MB) to help you understand your obligations.
Other useful links to help you as an employer:
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