Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit involves an examination of the individual employment relationship between employer and employee. Among the topics given special attention are the contract of employment and its importance at common law and under statute; rights and duties of the respective parties; remedies for breach; unfair and unlawful termination of employment at common law and under state and federal statutes; selected aspects of the systems of industrial dispute resolution and regulation under applicable commonwealth legislation including, in particular, modern awards and enterprise agreements.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to gain a sound understanding of, and a capacity to appropriately apply, the major legal rules and principles (under the common law and relevant state and federal statutes) which govern (1) the categorisation/classification of different forms of work relationships; (2) the legal rights and responsibilities of employers and employees; (3) the lawful termination (at common law) of the contract of employment; (4) the principal remedies available to employees who have been wrongfully dismissed (at common law); (5) the statutory actions and forms of relief available to employees whose employment has been terminated unfairly; (6) the statutory actions and forms of relief available to employees whose employment has been terminated unlawfully; (7) the enforceability of post-employment restraints and their relationship to the law concerning restraint of trade; and (8) the actions and forms of relief available to employees who have suffered unlawful discrimination, bullying or harassment in or in connection with their employment.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) essay and (2) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Emeritus Professor William Ford and Joanna Vincent
Note
Refer to the timetable website for session times and venues. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.