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An investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman across 132 Geelong businesses has recovered more than $430,000 in wages to 487 underpaid local workers.
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Surprise audits recover $430,000 for Geelong workers
14 August 2020
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The Fair Work Ombudsman has recovered $431,875 in wages for 487 underpaid workers after conducting surprise audits in the Geelong area as part of its series of regional university cities proactive investigations.
The FWO commenced the audits as part of a program of intelligence-led activity targeting high-risk sectors — such as the takeaway food, restaurant, café and retail sectors — which commonly rely on vulnerable young workers such as university students.
Fair Work Inspectors investigated 132 businesses in the period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and found 77 per cent of businesses failed to comply with workplace laws. Of those businesses in breach, more than half both underpaid staff and breached payslip or record-keeping obligations.
The most common breaches identified were failures to correctly pay penalty rates, followed by underpayments of the minimum hourly wage, according to the FWO.
The most common reason given for non-compliance was a lack of awareness of workplace obligations. Wage back-payments by businesses ranged from $3 up to $52,558.
In response to the breaches, the FWO issued seven contravention letters, 14 formal cautions, 61 infringement notices (with total penalties of $110,460) and 65 compliance notices. These compliance notices led to $398,818 being back-paid to 445 employees.
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One business remains under investigation for serious non-compliance and may face legal proceedings. Other non-compliant businesses were advised that future breaches will likely lead to enforcement action.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the low rate of compliance was disappointing.
“The level of breaches of workplace laws identified in these areas and sectors of Geelong is unacceptable, particularly the breaches involving young workers and students who we know are potentially vulnerable due to their age, visa status and reliance on local jobs,” Ms Parker said.
“A lack of awareness is not a valid reason to breach workplace laws. The FWO expects all employers to comply with workplace obligations and to use our wealth of free tools and resources if they need help. Workers with concerns should contact us.”
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