The Fair Work Ombudsman has conducted a series of unannounced audits in Wollongong.
Over the past three days, Fair Work inspectors have visited more than 80 businesses in the Wollongong central business district.
Inspectors interviewed business operators and workers and assessed records to check workers are receiving their lawful entitlements, including minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, overtime and allowances.
Compliance with record-keeping and pay slip laws was also checked.
The Fair Work Ombudsman also contacted a number of young workers identified in recent media reports to obtain intelligence that assisted with selecting businesses for audit.
The campaign also included audits of a number of businesses selected at random.
Inspectors this week focussed on industries that employ many young workers, including retail, take-away food and restaurants.
The fair Work Ombudsman stated that “A number of this week’s audits could lead to full investigations and businesses with serious non-compliance issues could face formal enforcement action.”
Are you at risk of big fines and expensive penalties?
Fair Work Inspectors may issue on the spot infringement notices where they reasonably believe an employer has contravened the record-keeping and pay slip obligations contained in the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Fair Work Regulations 2009.
Fair Work Inspectors can also recommend taking matters to court.
Employers risk penalties of up to $54,000 for each breach of the Fair Work Act 2009.
> Learn more about fines and penalties
> Learn more about recent prosecutions for breaching workplace laws
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