Hair salon in court after vulnerable worker seeks help
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operator of a hair salon based in Queensland’s Fraser Coast Region.
Facing court is sole trader Sonja Leigh Gorman, who owns and operates Stylush Hair & Beauty, in Point Vernon.
The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a young worker, aged 20 at the time, that Ms Gorman employed as a part-time salon assistant in August-November 2022.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Ms Gorman in March 2023 after forming a belief Ms Gorman had not paid the worker any wages for 100 hours of work she performed at the hair salon during her three-month employment period.
The inspector formed a belief that Ms Gorman had failed to pay the worker the owed minimum wages, personal and annual leave entitlements, and payment-in-lieu-of-notice at the end of employment entitlements.
The entitlements were allegedly owed under the Hair and Beauty Industry Awards 2010 and 2020 and the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Ms Gorman, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required her to calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements.It is alleged that the amount Ms Gorman was required to pay to comply with the Compliance Notice was $2,854.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
“Employers need to be aware that taking action to protect vulnerable workers, such as young workers, is one of our top priorities,” Ms Booth said.
“Where employers do not comply with a Compliance Notice, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”
The FWO is seeking a penalty in court for the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice. Ms Gorman faces a penalty of up to $8,250.
The regulator is also seeking an order for Ms Gorman to pay the amount allegedly owing to the worker, plus superannuation and interest.
A hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane on 2 May 2025.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Employees can also seek information from their employer or their union, if they are a member.
Information is available for employees and employers at our young workers and students and Hair and Beauty Industry Award webpages.
Small businesses can find targeted resources at the Small Business Showcase.
The FWO provides a free online course to help employers understand what a Compliance Notice is and how to respond if they get one. The Compliance Notice course, among a suite of free interactive courses on offer for employers, managers and employees, is available in our online learning centre.
