27 January 2015

The Fair Work Ombudsman will visit the NSW Mid-North Coast over the next few weeks to help raise awareness among employers of their obligations under federal workplace laws.

Fair Work inspectors will call on up to 300 businesses in Taree, Gloucester and Port Macquarie.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the aim is to ensure employers are aware of their workplace responsibilities and how her Agency can assist businesses to access, understand and apply information to build a culture of compliance.

“It’s important we check that workers are receiving their correct entitlements but we also want to be pro-active about ensuring employers in this region understand their obligations,” Ms James said.   

The campaign will prioritise industries which generate the most requests for assistance from employers on the Mid-North Coast – including road freight transport, accommodation, cafes and restaurants, hairdressing, beauty services and the takeaway food industry.

Fair Work inspectors will check that employers are paying the correct minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances and loadings and are providing meal breaks. Compliance with record-keeping and pay slip obligations will also be monitored.

Ms James says inspectors will work with employers in the region to rectify any non-compliance issues and put processes in place to ensure they get it right in the future.

In partnership with the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Fair Work inspectors will conduct an information seminar at the Gloucester Bowls Club tomorrow night (Wed, Jan 28), from 6 pm.

The Seminar will focus on the free tools and resources available on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website at www.fairwork.gov.au to assist employers understand and comply with their obligations.

People seeking to attend should register their interest by emailing gloucesterchamber@hotmail.com or contacting Gloucester Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Yvonne Reynolds on 0409 607 934.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman via the website or by calling the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.

Small business employers calling the Fair Work Infoline can opt to receive priority service via the Small Business Helpline.

Follow Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James on Twitter @NatJamesFWO , the Fair Work Ombudsman @fairwork_gov_au or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au .

Media inquiries:

Nicci de Ryk, Senior Media Adviser
Mobile: 0466 522 004
nicci.deryk@fwo.gov.au