Fair Work Lessons-Avoiding Costly Compliance Mistakes

The MyCRA Lawyers case highlights non-compliance risks with Fair Work laws, even for businesses grounded in legal expertise. This case, involving unfair dismissal claims and covert workplace monitoring, serves as a wake-up call for small businesses.
The Fair Work Commission ruled against MyCRA Lawyers, determining that the legal assistant was an employee—not a contractor—and that the firm failed to follow procedural fairness in handling performance concerns. The firm’s covert surveillance practices raised additional privacy concerns, further undermining its position.
This case offers valuable lessons for employee classification, performance management, and workplace privacy. Small businesses can avoid similar pitfalls by implementing clear policies, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, and seeking expert advice on employment practices.