First published on Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Last updated on Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we look at the week’s most pressing HR and employment relations stories. With over 20 years’ experience in professional services, I give my opinion on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and employment relations.
Union Takes ANZ to Fair Work Over 3,500 Job Cuts
ANZ Bank is facing a Fair Work Commission dispute after announcing 3,500 job cuts as part of a major restructure. The Finance Sector Union (FSU) alleges the bank failed to properly consult staff, leaving workers “blindsided” and communities in limbo. ANZ maintains it met its consultation obligations and says frontline roles will be minimally affected.
The FSU argues the scale of cuts, especially after ANZ’s recent $240 million misconduct penalty, reflects poor leadership. For HR teams navigating restructures, BrightHR’s 24/7 employment relations advice and redundancy support tools help ensure fair consultation and compliance. Get expert HR guidance.
Dismissal by Text? FWC Rules on Illness-Related Termination
The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a worker was dismissed via text and voice messages after notifying her manager of illness. The employer denied formal termination, but the Commission found clear evidence through removal from group chats and statements suggesting she “find another job.”
This case highlights the risks of informal communication in HR matters. BrightHR’s 24/7 employment relations advice and contract templates help small businesses handle sensitive issues professionally and avoid ER pitfalls. Get expert HR support.
WA to Introduce Two New Public Holidays from 2028
Western Australia is set to modernise its public holiday calendar with two new additions—Easter Sunday and a Show Day—under the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025. Labour Day, WA Day, and the King’s Birthday will also shift to new dates to better support productivity. Premier Roger Cook said the changes reflect community feedback and economic needs.
With evolving leave entitlements, HR teams must stay compliant—BrightHR’s document library and leave management tools make updating policies and communicating changes seamless. Explore BrightHR’s HR software.
And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and employment relations stories, helping keep your business ahead!
