The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a $28,021 penalty in court against former Pizza Hut franchisee IFITS Food Co Pty Ltd.
IFITS Food Co Pty Ltd operated an outlet in south-east Queensland until the company ceased operations in late 2021.
The penalty came after IFITS Food Co Pty Ltd failed to comply with Compliance Notices issued to them in February and April 2022 to calculate and back-pay entitlements to two workers.
The Fair Work inspector found that two employees were not paid their accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements at the end of their employment, owed under the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards.
The two workers were in part-time roles at the outlet between March 2020 and October 2021 with one aged 17 at the time.
The Fair Work Inspector also informed the belief the young worker was also not paid payment-in-lieu-of-notice-of-termination entitlements, owed under the Fast Food Industry Award 2010.
In addition to the penalty, IFITS Food Co Pty Ltd will also be required to back-pay the workers in full plus interest, and applicable superannuation for one worker.
The investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman came after receiving requests from the affected workers.
“When Compliance Notices are not followed, we are prepared to take legal action to ensure workers receive all their lawful entitlements,” says Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth.
“Employers also need to be aware that taking action to protect young workers and improve compliance in the fast food, restaurant and café sector are among our top priorities. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
