The Fair Work Ombudsman is targeting ‘regional hotspots of non-compliance’
At least 200 businesses will be audited by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FW0) throughout outer west Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Wollondilly in the latest proactive compliance and education campaign.
In particular, the targeted areas in NSW include Penrith, Springwood, Picton and Katoomba.
The FWO has honed in on regional hotspots of non-compliance, with the outer west Sydney and Blue Mountains region reporting high numbers of young workers in workplace disputes.
In fact, Wollondilly accounts for the highest number per 1,000 businesses of anonymous reports received by the FWO in NSW and ranks second highest in terms of requests for assistance.
The Fair Work Inspectors will be checking businesses’ time and wage records for compliance with workplace laws.
Moreover, audits will cover a cross-section of industries, such as construction, retail, manufacturing and accommodation and food services.
Ombudsman Sandra Parker said that young employees are vulnerable to underpayment and poor working conditions due to lack of experience and awareness of rights.
“Proactive campaigns are an important tool to educate employers about their workplace obligations. Inspectors will provide advice to businesses to help them comply with the law,” said Parker.
“Businesses should be warned that non-compliance can lead to action ranging from formal cautions and on-the-spot fines to litigation for the most serious breaches.
“As in all our campaigns, we are keen to work closely with key stakeholders in the region in building a culture of compliance.”
In July, Fair Work inspectors discovered widespread breaches of workplace laws in Glebe Point Road, Glebe, Sydney; Victoria Street, Richmond, Melbourne; and Fortitude Valley in Brisbane after interviewing staff and checking employment records.
The FWO’s audit of the three areas has recovered $471,904 for 616 workers after it found that 72% of the 243 businesses had breached workplace laws.
The most common breaches involved underpayment of workers base hourly rates (38%), with inadequate or non-existent employment records and pay slips being another widespread breach (28%).
Other common issues included non-provision of meal breaks, incorrectly classified workers and non-payment of overtime.
Related stories:
Record-breaking fine for business breaching Fair Work Act
Degani Bakery and Cafe outlets breached workplace laws
