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The Fair Work Ombudsman will audit up to 30 businesses across the Launceston region this week after fresh intelligence suggested employees might not be receiving the right pay and entitlements.
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FWO circles Launceston businesses following vulnerable worker tip-offs
04 November 2021
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9 minute read
Restaurants, cafes, fast-food outlets and other hospitality venues will be among the FWO’s targets, with inspectors keen to speak with business owners, managers and employees on the ground.
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“The regulator is acting after receiving intelligence from a range of sources, including anonymous reports alleging underpayments by employers in the area. Businesses were selected for audits based on indicators of non-compliance, such as tip-offs to the FWO, or if they employed vulnerable workers including young workers or visa holders,” a statement from FWO said.
“Inspectors are on alert for unlawfully low flat rates, unpaid hours of work, unpaid penalty rates, late payments, false or incorrect records and failures to provide pay slips, among other breaches.”
Commenting further, Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said protecting vulnerable workers such as visa holders and students, and improving compliance in the fast food, restaurant and cafe sector were ongoing priorities for the agency.
“Visa workers and young workers can be especially vulnerable and at risk of exploitation as they’re often unfamiliar with Australian workplace laws. We know they’re often reluctant to ask questions about their pay or entitlements or raise concerns with their employer,” Ms Parker said.
“Inspectors in and around Launceston are checking employment records for compliance with workplace laws. We will hold employers to account if they are not meeting their obligations and take enforcement action where appropriate. We will also educate employers on their legal responsibilities and workers about their rights.”
The audits are part of a national program that has assessed eateries in Hobart, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, the Gold Coast and most recently Darwin.
“Our targeted audits have uncovered high levels of non-compliance nationwide. Any workers with concerns should contact the FWO directly for free advice and assistance,” Ms Parker said.
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