Tick of approval for most Hobart businesses
25 May 2016
Spot checks of 50 employers north-west of Hobart have found almost three-quarters are fully compliant with their obligations under federal workplace laws.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the finding is encouraging.
Fair Work inspectors began assessing businesses in response to an increase in requests from assistance from employees in the north-west suburbs.
Auditing was carried out across a range of industry sectors, including restaurants and cafes, automotive repairs, hairdressers, retail shops and road freight transport.
Almost half were located in Moonah, almost a quarter in Glenorchy, and the remainder in Derwent Park, Goodwood, Battery Point and Margate.
Businesses were scrutinised to assess their compliance with minimum wage rates, overtime and weekend penalty rates, allowances, and pay-slip and record-keeping obligations.
Ms James says 72 per cent were compliant with all their requirements, 86 per cent paid their employees correctly and 84 per cent met record-keeping and pay-slip obligations.
However, seven businesses were found to have errors with pay-slips and records, six paid incorrect wage rates and one breached both wages and pay-slip requirements.
Five employers were asked to repay $2526 to 10 employees who had been short-changed.
Businesses found to be non-complaint will be re-audited as part of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s National Compliance Monitoring Campaign.
Ms James noted that businesses which were members of an employer or industry association had higher compliance rates than non-members.
She says 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 access, understand and apply information to build a culture of compliance.
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.
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 .
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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
