Introduction
A business with less than 15 people is considered a small business. This is defined by law.
Content
The law says you are a small business if you employ fewer than 15 people. This is the total number of individuals, not the full-time equivalent number. This can include people who are:
- part time
- full time
- casual (if they are 'regular and systematic').
It is important to understand if you are a small business. There are different rules that apply in dismissal cases. This includes the:
- processes to follow when dismissing (sacking) someone
- minimum employment period.
Read the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code to understand the recommended dismissal process. You will find the definition of small business in section 23 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
Single interest employer agreements
Content
From 6 June 2023, 2 or more employers and their employees can make single interest employer agreements. This is a new kind of multi-enterprise agreement.
Employers with fewer than 20 employees cannot be included in a single interest employer authorisation unless they agree.