1ED: ACCI says unfair dismissal act devastating for jobs

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-1999
1ED: ACCI says unfair dismissal act devastating for jobs

Australia's peak employer body says unfair dismissal laws are having a devastating impact
on employment.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says a survey shows almost 40 per cent of
businesses are scared off from hiring new employees because of the laws.

The Senate is planning this month to overturn government regulations exempting small
business from unfair dismissal legislation covering new employees.

But chamber chief executive MARK PATTERSON says the Senate should consider the survey
results, which also show smaller firms are even more likely not to employ new staff because of
concerns with unfair dismissals.

The survey's findings appear to conflict with the recent fall in the number unfair
dismissal applications being lodged, a trend being used by the ALP and Democrats to argue
there is no need for the government's exemption.

AAP RTV ss/jv

KEYWORD: SMALL (CANBERRA)

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