Close Consulting HR

28/05/2025

Do you really need a lawyer to fight an unfair dismissal claim in Australia? Not always.

Here’s the truth: while lawyers have their place, they’re not your only — or even your best — option when it comes to unfair dismissal matters in the Fair Work Commission.

🧠 Highly experienced and qualified paid agents (like us at Close Consulting) can do just as good a job — and in many cases, better. Why?

✅ We specialise in Fair Work matters — we know the system inside out.

✅ We’re practical, strategic, and focused on real outcomes (not legal theatre).

✅ And best of all… we usually cost a third of what a lawyer might charge.

This isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about using the right expertise for the job — and our clients agree. Just check out our many ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google reviews.

At Close Consulting, we’ve supported countless individuals and businesses through the complexities of unfair dismissal, general protections claims, and workplace disputes — with skill, clarity, and results.

💬 If you’re facing a tricky employment issue, don’t assume you need a lawyer. You might just need the right ally.

📩 DM me or visit www.closeconsulting.online to see how we can help.

Close Consulting provides business owners and individuals with expert advice on HR matters such as unfair Dismissals, general Protections and more.

02/02/2025

Another successful week for Close Consulting and our esteemed clients!

At Close Consulting, we prioritise effective negotiation strategies to prevent prolonged and expensive legal proceedings. This week, we achieved a favourable outcome for our highlighted client, who was involved in a General Protections claim related to her dismissal.

The client, referred to as Kelly for confidentiality, was terminated during her probationary period. Interestingly, the termination occurred shortly after Kelly reported an injury sustained at work due to a faulty office chair. Despite raising concerns about the chair's safety to management and contemplating a WorkCover claim, Kelly was dismissed primarily for taking excessive personal leave.

The General Protections claim was lodged under section 352 of the Fair Work Act, among other relevant provisions. Despite initial denial from the respondent and the involvement of their HR Business Partner, legal representation was eventually sought by the respondent.

Our team facilitated productive discussions with the legal representatives through a without prejudice approach before the scheduled Conference at the Fair Work Commission. Consequently, the matter was resolved amicably on the same day, avoiding the need for a Hearing in the Fair Work Division of the Federal Circuit Court, saving valuable time and resources for all parties involved.

The resolution left all parties satisfied, underscoring the effectiveness of strategic negotiation and legal collaboration. It was a positive outcome for everyone involved, reinforcing our commitment to efficient and successful client outcomes. 😊

03/10/2024

If you're making an unfair dismissal claim, then you want to do everything you can to increase your chances of winning.

We cover the key things you should do when preparing and lodging your claim below.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-boost-your-chances-winning-unfair-dismissal-serzc

03/10/2024

Letting someone go is never easy, but things can get even more complicated if you don't follow the right process...

Understanding Unfair Dismissal Letting someone go is never easy, but things can get even more complicated if you don't follow the right process. That's where unfair dismissal claims come into play.

03/10/2024

Get all the benefits of a professional HR department without the cost or hassle of hiring and training an entire team.

Sounds pretty good right?

Read on to find out how you can accelerate your small businesses growth by handing your HR over to professionals

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-small-businesses-should-consider-outsourcing-3cz8c

27/09/2024

Here are the key steps to ensure your hiring process is as fair and inclusive as possible:

Standardise Procedures

↳ Develop a consistent procedure for all candidates, including standardised interview questions and objective evaluation criteria.

Different Opinions

↳ Have multiple people involved in the hiring process. This helps mitigate unconscious biases and promotes fairness.

Bias Training:

↳ Provide training for all hiring managers on recognising and combating unconscious bias. Understanding bias is the first step in preventing it from influencing hiring decisions.

Inclusive Job Descriptions:

↳ Use language that is inclusive and welcoming to all potential applicants. Avoid jargon and criteria that could unnecessarily exclude qualified candidates.

Leverage Technology:

↳ Utilise software tools that can help screen resumes and applications without human biases, focusing on skills and qualifications relevant to the job.

Feedback and Review:

↳ Regularly review your hiring practices and make adjustments as needed. Soliciting feedback from new hires can also provide insights into how inclusive your process appears to outsiders.

Implementing these strategies can transform your hiring process, attracting a wider array of talent and fostering a more inclusive workplace.

Here are the key steps to ensure your hiring process is as fair and inclusive as possible:

Standardise Procedures

↳ Develop a consistent procedure for all candidates, including standardised interview questions and objective evaluation criteria.

Different Opinions

↳ Have multiple people involved in the hiring process. This helps mitigate unconscious biases and promotes fairness.

Bias Training:

↳ Provide training for all hiring managers on recognising and combating unconscious bias. Understanding bias is the first step in preventing it from influencing hiring decisions.

Inclusive Job Descriptions:

↳ Use language that is inclusive and welcoming to all potential applicants. Avoid jargon and criteria that could unnecessarily exclude qualified candidates.

Leverage Technology:

↳ Utilise software tools that can help screen resumes and applications without human biases, focusing on skills and qualifications relevant to the job.

Feedback and Review:

↳ Regularly review your hiring practices and make adjustments as needed. Soliciting feedback from new hires can also provide insights into how inclusive your process appears to outsiders.

Implementing these strategies can transform your hiring process, attracting a wider array of talent and fostering a more inclusive workplace.

25/09/2024

Grateful for your trust, Jen! We're honored to have supported you through challenging times. 🙏

23/09/2024

From 26 August 2024 non-small-business employees have a new ‘right to disconnect’ outside of work hours.

From 26 August 2024 non-small-business employees have a new ‘right to disconnect’ outside of work hours. This means employees can refuse to monitor, read, respond to contact (or attempted contact) from an employer or a third party such as clients, suppliers, staff from other businesses or the pu...

21/09/2024

Five essential tips for employees preparing for a redundancy meeting:

👉 Understand Your Rights: Before the meeting, familiarise yourself with your contractual and legal rights regarding redundancy. Knowing what you are entitled to can help you ensure fair treatment.

👉 Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your employment, including performance reviews, any commendations, and previous discussions about job security. This documentation can be crucial in discussions about severance or other benefits.

👉 Prepare Your Questions: Have a list of questions ready about severance pay, benefits continuation, support for finding new employment, and any outplacement services the company might offer.

👉 Plan Financially: Assess your financial situation and plan accordingly. Knowing your budget can help you negotiate severance or understand how urgent your job search needs to be.

👉 Seek Support: Consider consulting with an HR professional or a legal advisor to review your situation. Support groups and career counsellors can also offer valuable guidance and emotional support during this time.

Facing redundancy isn't easy, but being prepared can help you navigate this transition more smoothly. Remember, it's not just an end, but also a new beginning.

20/09/2024

Thank you, Cassie, for trusting us to handle the heavy lifting! 💪

18/09/2024

Wage theft is rampant, but we’re getting closer to criminalisation…

As wage theft criminalisation laws draw closer, Australian government and industry need to come together to solve chronic wage theft issues that have plagued the nation for years

17/09/2024