1 August 2016

A Gold Coast family business that withheld the entitlements of two employees is back-paying them $56,000 following intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The two workers were terminated without being paid their annual leave entitlements for nine years of service, or wages in lieu of notice.

After educating the employer about its workplace obligations, the Fair Work Ombudsman worked with the business to come up with a repayment plan with monthly instalments.

Other recent recoveries for employees on the Gold Coast include:

• $29,300 for two full-time employment consultants working for a Southport business who did not receive their termination entitlements and final wages,
• $8600 for a male engineer at Ormeau who was underpaid his swing shift allowance, and
• $6600 for a full-time automotive business manager in Southport who did not receive payment in lieu of notice of termination, annual leave and annual leave loading.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says employers must undertake their own checks of Award provisions and periodically ensure their compliance.

“Our online tools and resources can assist employers to determine their applicable Modern Award, as well as classification and pay rates, including base pay rates, allowances, overtime, penalty rates and entitlements.

“Our focus is on educating employers about their obligations and assisting them to put processes in place to ensure that any errors we find don't occur again.”

She urged businesses to visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s How We Help You online section which provides templates, fact sheets, tools and guides on various topics such as best practice and ending employment.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit at www.fairwork.gov.au or phone the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.

A free interpreter service is available by calling 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:

Eithne Johnston, Media Adviser
Mobile: 0439 835 855
eithne.johnston@fwo.gov.au