WORKPLACE RELATIONS
COVID-19 AND YOUR SUPER The COVID-19 outbreak is impacting superannuation causing super fund members to ask some key questions of their funds particularly on market volatility.
What does the market volatility mean for my super? Since the COVID-19 outbreak market volatility has impacted super balances and we understand how concerning this can be. Market volatility is a normal part of the economic life cycle. Many of you would have experienced this during the global financial crisis from 2007 and the bounce back from 2009. BUSSQ has processes in place to help reduce the impact and we’re pleased that to date BUSSQ members have fared better than members of many other funds. Our team are also working to ensure we take advantage of the market rebound. Super is a long-term investment, and as the graph below shows, markets typically bounce back over time. It’s important to remember this when making a decision to change investment options or withdraw your super. For more information visit bussq.com.au or call Troy Wolter on 0417 702 822.
The information supplied in this article is general advice only and does not take into account or consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, you should review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement to ensure you have all the information about the relevant BUSSQ product and how it works and consider the appropriateness of the information to your needs or seek independent advice from a properly qualified professional. Prepared by BUSS (Queensland) Pty Ltd (ABN 15 065 081 281, AFSL 237860) as Trustee for BUSSQ (BUSSQ Fund, ABN 85 571 332 201).
VICARIOUS LIABILITY It is important to stay connected during COVID-19 with friends, family and colleagues, and the best way to do this at present is via phone, online or through video teleconferencing software, such as Zoom. Due to the importance of staying connected it is also a timely reminder that employees and employers can be held liable if found to have discriminated or harassed a fellow colleague or employee. An employee can be held personally liable if they are found to have sexually harassed a fellow employee, even if there was no physical touching. Sexual harassment can include, but is not limited to: • Suggestive comments or jokes; • Sexually explicit pictures or posters; • Unwanted invitations to go out on dates: • Intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body; and • Sexually explicit emails or SMS text messages or online comments.
An employer can be held legally responsible for acts of discrimination or harassment that occur in the workplace or in connection with a person’s employment. This is called vicarious liability. Employers can also be liable when computers, phones or tablets are used to harass a person; for example, by sending text messages, posting on social media sites or sending emails that have a connection to the workplace, such as both persons are employees of the workplace. It is important to have a strong harassment and discrimination policy in place that all employees have been trained on and informed of the content. For further assistance on policies, please contact Kym Campbell or Emma Ross from the MPAQ Workplace Relations team on 07 3273 0800. Article source – https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/employers/vicarious-liability
MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE May/June 2020 |
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