23 November 2015

The Fair Work Ombudsman will audit up to 200 businesses throughout western Sydney as part of a new campaign.

Fair Work inspectors will check that employers are paying the correct minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances, loadings and providing appropriate meal breaks.

Compliance with record-keeping and pay-slip obligations will also be monitored.

The campaign will focus on businesses located in and around Merrylands, Guildford, Fairfield, Parramatta and Mount Druitt.

Employers from a range of sectors will be included, such as manufacturing, road freight transport, carpentry, building and industrial cleaning, computer system design, cafes and restaurants, investigation and security, childcare, hairdressing and beauty, and employment placement and recruitment.

All businesses will be randomly selected.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says western Sydney is home to thousands of businesses and the Agency receives a constant stream of requests for assistance from employees across the western suburbs.

She says one of the aims of the campaign is to ensure employers are aware of their workplace responsibilities and how the Agency can assist them to access, understand and apply information to build a culture of compliance.

"It's important we check workers are being paid correctly, but we also want to be pro-active about ensuring employers understand their obligations," Ms James said.

Inspectors will inform employers about the range of free tools and resources available to them on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website at www.fairwork.gov.au.

Online tools include calculators to determine the correct wages for employees, templates for time-and-wages records, an Online learning centre and My Account, which enables employers and employees to save information on pay and conditions for their workplace.

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

Small businesses calling the Infoline can opt to receive priority service to assist with their inquiries.

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 .

Sign up to receive the Fair Work Ombudsman's media releases direct to your email inbox at www.fairwork.gov.au/mediareleases.

Media inquiries:

Lara O'Toole, Media Adviser
Mobile: 0439 835 855
lara.otoole@fwo.gov.au