17 February 2016

A Gold Coast security company and its owner are facing Court action for allegedly underpaying eight security guards more than $22,000.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal proceedings against Owen Ivor Jennings and his company Step Ahead Security Services Pty Ltd.

The security guards were allegedly underpaid a total of $22,779 between May and August, 2014.

Step Ahead Security Services allegedly underpaid their minimum hourly rates, casual loadings, shift allowances, minimum shift pay and penalty rates for night, weekend and overtime work.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after employees contacted the Agency for assistance.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the matter has been referred to the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane because the alleged underpayments have not been rectified and Mr Jennings has previously been put on notice of the need to pay minimum lawful entitlements.

Step Ahead Security Services faces maximum penalties of up to $51,000 per contravention and Mr Jennings faces penalties of up to $10,200 per contravention.

To try to discourage Mr Jennings from further contraventions, the Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking a Court Order for 25 per cent of any penalty imposed on him to be suspended and activated if he is found to be involved in underpaying workers in future.

In addition to the penalties, the Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking an Order for Step Ahead Security Services to back-pay the employees in full – or for Mr Jennings to personally pay the employees compensation.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking an injunction restraining Mr Jennings from underpaying security industry workers in future.

The Fair Work Ombudsman referred the matter to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission for suspected phoenixing activity.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has previously received underpayment allegations from workers in relation to another security company run by Mr Jennings that subsequently went into liquidation.

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

A free interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.

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:

Annie Lawson, Media Adviser
Mobile: 0466 522 004
annie.lawson@fwo.gov.au

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