Cairns Region has been experiencing a great start to the financial year. Four new flights from Taiwan and the national school holidays increased the tourist numbers into our region which was well received by local business. Hospitality and Tourism industries are enjoying the influx of dollars coming through much needed boost to our struggling economy.

The construction industry on the other hand has not been so lucky still struggling and it doesn’t look like it will be picking up for a while. Commercial, Mining, Financial Services are also on a steady rise.

Cairns has recorded 8.9% unemployment for June and should be dropping further in the next few months.

Employers have been challenged with new legislations coming into the 2011 Financial Year.

Federal wage increase has been fairly confusing for most SME due to number of Modern Awards being in the transition period. ATO has made a new ruling with regards to the Salary Sacrifice being recorded on the payment summaries for last financial year. And not to mention Modern Awards are still is a state of confusion for most employers.

WHSQ is slowly getting through auditing all medium size business, so if you are a business and declared over one million but less then ten million in workcover for the financial year 2009 your turn is coming.

Here are couple of useful links:

FWA: http://bit.ly/c4NnqS

Pay Rate Calculator: http://bit.ly/arG2J7

If you’re finding it just too much to take in and would like some assistance we are offering Employer Coaching Program.

Covering the following:

• Recruitment Process
• Employment Process
• Employment Procedures and Policies

To find out more please contact Vlasta Eriksson on 07 4050 3888 or vlasta.eriksson@signaturestaff.com.au