Jewell Hancock Employment Lawyers

02/06/2026

Australia's minimum wage and modern award minimum wage will increase on 1 July. Find out what this means for impacted workers.

The Fair Work Commission has handed down its 2026 Annual Wage Review decision, confirming an increase to modern award wages and the National Minimum Wage fr ...

19/05/2026

Can an employer rely on a “zero tolerance” policy to automatically dismiss an employee?

A recent Fair Work Commission decision says not always.

In our latest article, we look at a case in which a long serving employee successfully challenged his dismissal after returning a low-level positive drug test result, despite there being no evidence of impairment at work.

A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission is a reminder that even strict workplace policies do not automatically justify dismissal. In Brew v Downer EDI ...

14/05/2026

ChatGPT might help draft your workplace claim, but it won’t save it if the facts are wrong. Our latest article looks at a Fair Work Commission decision in which an employee was strongly criticised for relying on inaccurate AI-generated material.

A recent decision by the Fair Work Commission serves as an important reminder to employees considering using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to assist with their ...

17/04/2026

We are thrilled to share that three of our team have been recognised in the 2027 edition of the Best Lawyers awards.

Congratulations to Andrew Jewell on inclusion in Best Lawyers, and to Michael Kriewaldt and Sam Nottle on being named Ones to Watch.

Best Lawyers is peer-reviewed, reflecting our peers' trust and acknowledgement of our professional skills.

13/03/2026

If you can reasonably do your job from home, from 1 September 2026, you will have a legal right to work remotely two days a week – regardless of the size of your workplace.

The Victorian Labor government has confirmed that an amendment to the Equal Opportunity Act is set to be introduced this year, enshrining the right to work from home.

This means greater certainty and broader access (with the right applying to workplaces of all sizes), and it marks a significant step toward embedding flexibility as a protected workplace entitlement in Victoria.

Once introduced, our team will be on hand to assist you in navigating and asserting your new rights.

11/03/2026

Two of Australia's top 10 employment lawyers. One firm. Not a bad result for the 2026 Doyle's Guide rankings.

A special shoutout to Trent Hancock and Andrew Jewell, who have both ranked among Australia's leading employment lawyers for employee representation.

We're also proud to see Jewell Hancock Employment Lawyers recognised among the top employment law firms in Australia in this area.

https://doylesguide.com/leading-employment-lawyers-employee-union-representation-australia-2026/

10/03/2026

AI is transforming how you access information about your workplace rights. Here, Andrew explains that while it can be a helpful research tool, it can’t replace tailored advice from an employment lawyer.

27/02/2026

Losing your job doesn’t always mean you’ll receive redundancy pay.

A recent Fair Work Commission decision is a reminder that if your employer offers you acceptable alternative employment, your redundancy pay could be reduced, even to zero.

We unpack the key factors the FWC considers when determining what counts as acceptable alternative employment.

A recent Fair Work Commission decision highlights a concept that often surprises employees: you may not be entitled to redundancy pay if you are offered acceptable alternative employment. Under section 120 of the Fair Work Act, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) may reduce or eliminate redundancy...

22/01/2026

Thinking about working on Australia Day (or any public holiday)? Here’s what you need to know:

🔹Check your award or enterprise agreement.
Your award or enterprise agreement may already set out whether you can work on a public holiday and what you’ll be entitled to.

🔹No award or agreement?
You may still be able to work if both you and your employer agree, often in exchange for higher pay or another day off.

🔹It must be genuinely agreed.
Any arrangement needs to be voluntary. Employers shouldn’t pressure employees to swap or give up a public holiday.

🔹What about pay?
At a minimum, employees should receive their base rate for hours worked. Many awards provide penalty rates or additional entitlements.

🔹Business closed?
If your employer closes for the public holiday and directs you to take the day off, this is generally lawful and reasonable.

19/01/2026

Employment law is changing in 2026. From Payday Super and paid parental leave to new gender equality obligations, there are some important updates employers and employees should have on their radar.

Some significant changes to Australia’s workplace laws are taking effect in 2026. Here’s an overview of what to be aware of this year.