Employment

Construction company Clough Limited cannot claim over $15 million paid to employees for cancellation of their shares and options as a tax deduction, with a judge dismissing the Perth-based company’s appeal of a decision from the Commissioner of Taxation.

A judge has allowed a hearing on separate questions concerning the validity of a non-compete agreement in a lawsuit brought against two patent lawyers who jumped ship by boutique IP firm Pizzeys Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, despite expressing concerns that "separate questions are fraught".

A partner who hit Deloitte with a $3.8 million age discrimination lawsuit says the accounting giant has been treating him as an "inactive partner" who is on the verge of retiring, including by failing to conduct a performance assessment for the 2021 financial year.

A sacked ANZ trader who alleges he was fired after making complaints about rate-rigging at the bank has sued his former law firm for allegedly withholding documents needed to amend his case against the big four bank.

National rugby league team Melbourne Storm has brought legal action against former CEO Dave Donaghy seeking an injunction banning him from taking on the top post at the Brisbane Broncos until August.

Australian Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese and the Transport Workers Union have urged the government to regulate the gig economy following the deaths of five food delivery workers and a landmark ruling from the UK's highest court that found Uber drivers are not independent contractors.

Two patent attorneys being sued by boutique IP firm Pizzeys Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys have hit back against claims they misused confidential information to poach clients, arguing the terms of the non-compete restraint in their employment contracts were "unclear", "unreasonable" and "unenforceable".

The Transport Workers Union is calling on the government to regulate the gig economy in the wake of a unanimous ruling from the UK Supreme Court that found Uber drivers are not independent contractors but workers with the right to entitlements.

A judge has refused to extend the date by which Coles workers can register to join an employment class action against the supermarket giant as part of a class closure order, saying the amendment would force a hearing on his power to make the order.

COVID-19 vaccinations will begin this week, but most employers won't be able to force staff to get the jab.