Be flexible, retailers told

THE State Government believes retailers should look to adopting more flexible work practices in order to promote competitiveness.

Commerce and Trade and Small Business Minister Hendy Cowan said workplace agreements were one way of allowing retailers to negotiate flexibility of conditions with their employees, while also meeting the needs of customers.

“Workplace agreements can enable retailers to design workplace conditions to suit their unique needs and those of their employees,” Mr Cowan said.

To help retailers, the government has released a Guide for Workplace Agreements.

The new guide, published by the Small Business Development Corporation in conjunction with the Department of Productivity and Labour Relations, is aimed at the small business sector.

Mr Cowan said that it was essential for small business owners to work with employees to ensure both parties realised benefits from the agreement.