In the latest update from the Commission in July 2025, significant changes impacting small businesses in NSW have been announced. One key update involves an 8% increase in the average rate of workers’ compensation premiums for the upcoming financial year. However, small businesses can take proactive steps to mitigate this increase, such as maintaining a good safety record to qualify for the Safe Employer Reward program or paying the premium in full by the due date. icare, the workers’ insurance provider, is offering tailored guidance to assist small businesses in creating safer work environments and reducing factors that contribute to premium escalation.
Effective from 26 August 2025, small business employees will now have the right to disconnect from work-related communications outside of their regular working hours. This means employees can choose not to engage with work-related messages or calls during their personal time unless refusal to do so is deemed unreasonable. Employers and employees are encouraged to have open discussions to establish mutual understanding regarding out-of-hours contact expectations.
Business continuity planning is crucial for small businesses to weather disruptions caused by unforeseen events like natural disasters or supply chain interruptions. Having a robust continuity plan in place ensures that operations can either continue seamlessly or be swiftly restored once the disruption subsides, safeguarding the business from prolonged downtime and financial losses.
Small businesses in the hospitality sector, encompassing establishments like restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, and takeaway outlets, will face new regulations regarding seafood labelling starting 1 July 2026. All seafood dishes intended for immediate consumption must be clearly labelled as (A) for Australian, (I) for imported, or (M) for mixed origin. Compliance with these labelling requirements is essential for businesses operating in the hospitality industry to meet regulatory standards.
Ensuring compliance with employment classification laws is vital for businesses that engage contractors. Misclassifying workers as contractors when they should be considered employees can lead to legal liabilities such as claims for unpaid wages, leave entitlements, superannuation contributions, and even unfair dismissal cases. Regularly reviewing employment contracts to accurately reflect the nature of the working relationship is crucial in avoiding legal pitfalls.
As a reminder, NSW Small Business Month is fast approaching in October, offering businesses an opportunity to participate in a collaborative effort to support and celebrate small enterprises. Businesses are encouraged to engage with the event by hosting activities and contributing to the vibrant small business community. For more details on how to get involved, interested parties can visit the official event page for registration and information.
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