7 January 2014

The Fair Work Ombudsman will commence audits of about 600 fast food outlets across the country this month as part of a national campaign.

Fair Work Inspectors will check employers are paying employees their minimum entitlements, including minimum hourly rates, penalty rates and overtime rates, and are complying with their record-keeping and pay slip obligations.

Fast food outlets throughout Australia will be audited, at locations including:

QLD: Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.

NSW/ACT: Canberra, Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Lismore, Newcastle, Port Macquarie and Wollongong.

VIC: Melbourne, Bendigo and Geelong.

SA: Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Whyalla.

WA: Perth, Albany, Broome, Bunbury, and Geraldton.

NT: Darwin and Alice Springs.

TAS: Hobart, Burnie, Devonport, Launceston and Ulverstone.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said the fast food sector was being focused on because it employs a large number of young workers and generates a significant number of complaints to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

"Young workers can be vulnerable if they aren't aware of their workplace rights or are reluctant to complain, so it’s important we are proactive about checking they are receiving their full lawful entitlements," Ms James said.

As part of the campaign, the Fair Work Ombudsman wrote to more than 7,000 fast food operators in October last year to highlight the free resources at www.fairwork.gov.au/fastfood to help them comply with workplace laws.

The focus on fast food businesses is the third stage of a wider three-year campaign looking at wages and conditions in the hospitality industry.

As part of the industry-wide campaign, the Fair Work Ombudsman focused similar educational activities on accommodation providers, pubs, taverns and bars in 2012 and on cafes, restaurants and caterers last year.

Employers and employees seeking assistance should visit the website or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.

Follow the Fair Work Ombudsman on Twitter @fairwork_gov_au  or find us on Facebook .

Media inquiries:

Penny Rowe, Media & Stakeholder Relations
0457 924 146
penelope.rowe@fwo.gov.au