4 January 2016

The manager of a business in Hobart has been back-paid almost $22,000 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The male employee had worked for the business for more than eight years, but was not paid his accrued annual leave entitlements when his job was terminated.

The man waited six months for his former employer to pay his outstanding entitlements, but when it did not, he contacted the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance.

Fair Work inspectors subsequently spoke to the business to explain its obligations under workplace laws and negotiated a settlement of $21,715.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the business avoided enforcement action by co-operating with the Agency and promptly correcting the underpayment.

In a separate matter, seven workers at a Hobart fast food outlet have been back-paid $8189 after underpayments were identified as part of the Agency's national hospitality campaign.

The seven were being underpaid their minimum hourly rates because the employer was inadvertently applying the Restaurant Industry Award instead of the Fast Food Industry Award.

The largest single underpayment was $1973.

Ms James says the Fair Work Ombudsman can assist Tasmanian employers unsure of their workplace obligations, and encouraged them to use free tools and resources available at www.fairwork.gov.au.

She says the Fair Work Ombudsman is working hard to build a culture of compliance with workplace laws in Australia by providing practical advice that is easy to access, understand and apply.

"It is important that there be a fair, competitive environment for employers who are doing the right thing by creating a level playing field in relation to business costs," she said.

"Anyone operating a business needs to ensure they take the time to understand the workplace laws applicable to their business."

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit at the website 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 be put through to a 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