6 October 2015

The Fair Work Ombudsman will audit up to 50 businesses near Hobart over the next two months 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 being monitored.

The campaign will focus on businesses located in and around Sorell, Richmond, Lewisham and Dodges Ferry.

Employers from a range of sectors will be included, such as cafes and restaurants, food manufacturing, road freight transport, house construction and real estate services.

Most businesses will be randomly selected.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the campaign area is home to hundreds of businesses and is a persistent source of requests for assistance from workers.

Ms James 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 that workers are being paid correctly, but we also want to be proactive about ensuring employers understand their obligations,” she said.

“Inspectors will make face-to-face visits to dozens of businesses during the campaign so they can offer employers tailored assistance to rectify any non-compliance issues and put processes in place to ensure they get it right in the future.”

Key local employer groups have been enlisted to assist the Agency to promote the campaign.

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.

Resources available include templates for time-and-wages records and a Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) that provides advice about pay, shift, leave and redundancy entitlements.

The My Account tool allows users to save tailored information such as pay rates and conditions of employment specific to their circumstances.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can also contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.

Small business can opt to be put through to a small business helpline, which has now assisted more than 250,000 callers since it was established.

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:

Ryan Pedler, Assistant Media Director
Mobile: 0411 430 902
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au