15 June 2016

The Fair Work Ombudsman today released the findings of a recent campaign in Western Australia’s Gascoyne and Mid-West regions.

Spot checks of 118 employers last year found that:

• 92 (78 per cent) were compliant with their record-keeping and pay-slip obligations,
• 83 (70 per cent) were paying their employees correctly, and
• 66 (56 per cent) were complaint with all their workplace responsibilities.

Ten businesses were asked to back-pay a total of $107,014 to 121 of their employees who had been short-changed.

One employer had to reimburse staff $23,000.

The business received a Letter of Caution putting it on notice that future breaches of workplace laws could result in enforcement action.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Mark Scully says all employers co-operated with the Agency and rectified the underpayments voluntarily.

The Gascoyne and Mid-West regions were selected for attention in response to persistent requests for assistance from employees.

Businesses were randomly selected in Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Denham,Geraldton, Meekatharra, Paraburdoo, Kalbarri and Newman.

Fair Work inspectors focused on a range of industry sectors, including agriculture, accommodation and food services.

Mr Scully says businesses found to be non-complaint during the campaign will be re-audited as part of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s ongoing National Compliance Monitoring Campaign.    

"We are committed to creating a culture if compliance in Australian workplaces," he said.

"One of the aims of the campaign was to ensure employers were aware of their workplace responsibilities and how the Agency can assist them to understand and comply with them."

Fair Work inspectors informed employers about the range of free tools and resources available to them on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website at www.fairwork.gov.au.

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 businesses can opt to be put through to a priority service for assistance.

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