Headline:

M&A activity plunges in first half of 2009

Abstract:

While global M&A activity has plunged by 40 per cent in the first half of 2009, activity is expected to pick half over the next six months, particularly as strong companies target others that are struggling.

Keywords:

Corporate issues, M&A, business

Category:

Business

Headline:

Minimum wage remains on hold

Abstract:

In the face of continuing tough economic conditions, the Australian Fair Pay Commission has decided to leave Australia’s Federal Minimum Wage unchanged at $543.78 per week.

Keywords:

Employment, minimum wage

Category:

Business

Headline:

New era for employment services

Abstract:

The Federal Government’s $4 billion ‘one-stop-shop’ for employment services, Job Services Australia, opened for business on 1 July.

Keywords:

Employment

Category:

Business

Order code: 060709Nfairworkintro – Word count: 450 – Publish date: 6 July 2009

Headline:

Fair Work regime up and running

Abstract:

July 1 saw the introduction of the Federal Government’s new workplace relations regime, with the commencement of provisions under the Fair Work Act, overseen by Fair Work Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Keywords:

Workplace relations

Category:

Business

Order code: 290609Nfranchisecode – Word count: 368 – Publish date: 29 June 2009

Headline:

Franchising Code of Conduct options paper out for comment

Abstract:

The Federal Government has invited final comment on its Franchising Code of Conduct options paper, as the next step in its response to the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services inquiry into franchising.

Keywords:

Franchising, government policy

Category:

Business

Order code: 190609Nindepcontract – Word count: 366 – Publish date: 22 June 2009

Headline:

Snapshot of independent contractors: ABS

Abstract:

One in ten employed people work as independent contractors in either their main or second job, with more men than women choosing this employment option, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Keywords:

Contracting, ABS, employment

Category:

Business

Order code: 190609Nconconfidence – Word count 332 – Publish date: 22 June 2009

Headline:

Consumer confidence lifts at global level

Abstract:

The global outlook is looking stronger, with consumer confidence finally stabilising after falling for 18 months, according to an Ipsos/Reuters survey of 23 countries.

Keywords:

Consumer confidence, economy

Category:

Finance/business

Order code: 180609Ninsolvency – Word count: 440 – Publish date: 22 June 2009

Headline:

New online resource on insolvency

Abstract:

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has launched a new online insolvency portal following a jump in both personal and business-related bankruptcies.

Keywords:

ASIC, business

Category:

Business

Order code: 120609Nemployeeshare – Word count: 550 – Publish date: 15 June 2009

Headline:

Review of tax concessions for employee share schemes

Abstract:

Eligibility for employee share scheme tax concessions will be changed, under new legislation to be introduced by the Federal Government.

Keywords:

Government policy, employee ownership

Category:

Business

Order code: 120609Nchinatrade – Word count: 350 – Publish date: 15 June 2009

Headline:

China’s economic strength continues: Austrade

Abstract:

China is expected to continue its solid economic growth, despite the global financial crisis, which bodes well for Australia’s recovery, according to Austrade chief economist Tim Harcourt.

Keywords:

Trade, China

Category:

Business

Order code: 21409Nsmallbusl – Word count 375 – Publish date: 20 May 2009

Headline:

Small business feeling the pain

Abstract:

More than a third (38 per cent) of Australian small business (SMB) owners and managers report that their business is currently struggling or suffering, when compared to this time last year. Of those, 92 per cent say the health of their business is having a negative impact on their personal lives, according to a small business ‘stress survey’ conducted by Galaxy Research and commissioned by Microsoft Australia.

Keywords:

Small business, business

Category:

Business

Order code: 290409Nfairwork – Word count 310 – Publish date: 5 May 2009

Headline:

Businesses concerned about new Fair Work requirements

Abstract:

Few employers are prepared for the introduction of the provisions contained in the Fair Work Act on 1 July 2009, according to a national survey of almost 600 employers conducted by HR and recruitment firm Drake International. The survey has also shown that in the current economic environment, there may be some unintended consequences, such as employers cutting back on recruitment and bringing forward retrenchments, due to their concerns about new obligations and costs resulting from the legislation.

Keywords:

Workplace relations, business, employment

Category:

Business

Order code: 200409Nbusconfid – Word count 700 – Publish date: 22 April 2009

Headline:

Business holds tight but uncertain times ahead

Abstract:

The latest figures on business sentiment are a mixed bag, with businesses reporting less impact from the global economic crisis than may be expected, but predicting grim times ahead. Includes Veda Advantage Business Sentiment Survey results on liquidity and cashflow issues, customer payment behaviour and credit, and Deacons research on employment intentions and cost-cutting.

Keywords:

Business, finance, employment, credit

Category:

Business