The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) conducted a significant nationwide blitz on employer records last week.
The regulator conducted surprise inspections in Hobart, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Cairns last week, visiting about 50 businesses. Independent butchers and bakeries were among the retailers targeted, along with repair shops, florists grocery stores, and drycleaners.
The FWO conducted the inspections based on anonymous reports and enquiries, and also looked into those who had previously been investigated.
Inspectors checked payslips, and time and wage records to ensure that employers were paying workers correctly.
“Workplace breaches that involve migrant workers and young workers can be particularly serious. We find these workers are often unaware of their workplace rights or unwilling to speak up if something seems wrong,” said acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell.
“It is crucial visa holders know that they have the same workplace rights as all other workers, and protections for visas exist if they call out workplace exploitation. We urge workers with concerns about wages and entitlements to reach out to us.”
Employers can access record-keeping templates on the FWO website.
Photo by Jimmy Chan.
