$23,000 back-pay for Limestone Coast workers
1 July 2016
The Fair Work Ombudsman today released the findings of a recent campaign in South Australia’s Limestone Coast region.
Spot checks of 128 employers found:
- 98 (77 per cent) were paying their employees correctly,
- 86 (67 per cent) were compliant with record-keeping and pay-slip obligations, and
- 72 (56 per cent) were compliant with all their responsibilities.
Twenty-three businesses were asked to back-pay a total of $23,453 to 49 of their employees who had been short-changed.
Two employers received Letters of Caution, putting them on notice that future breaches of workplace laws could result in enforcement action.
Businesses were randomly selected in centres throughout the region, including Beachport, Robe, Millicent, Naracoorte and Mount Gambier.
Those found to be non-complaint will be re-audited as part of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s ongoing National Compliance Monitoring Campaign.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says some businesses relied on word-of-mouth to determine their workplace practices, such as minimum pay rates and record-keeping.
Ms James said a number of businesses mistakenly believed that because they were small business, they were exempt from some requirements, such as issuing pay-slips.
She said they were all encouraged to use the free range of tools and resources available at www.fairwork.gov.au to assist them to understand and comply with their obligations in future.
“Limestone Coast employers must make an effort to ensure they understand the obligations applicable to their workplace, and we can help them,” Ms James says.
“We are committed to creating a culture of compliance in Australian workplaces.”
As well as the website, employers and employees seeking assistance can also contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.
Small business can opt to be put through to a priority service for assistance.
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.
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Media inquiries:
Annie Lawson, Media Adviser
Mobile: 0466 522 004
annie.lawson@fwo.gov.au
