$25,000 returned to Taiwanese backpackers

Three Taiwanese backpackers have been reimbursed more than $25,000 after an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman found they had been underpaid.

Do your homework before buying a business and avoid picking up a bill for costly mistakes

The Fair Work Ombudsman today sounded a warning to potential buyers of existing businesses to ensure they double-check the terms and conditions of their new employees.

Coles accepts “ethical and moral responsibility” to help end exploitation of vulnerable trolley collectors

Coles is the first major supermarket chain to publicly declare it has an “ethical and moral responsibility” to join with the Fair Work Ombudsman and stamp out exploitation of vulnerable trolley collectors.

Legal action alleges further underpayment of NSW hairdressers

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced further legal action relating to alleged underpayments of hairdressers at a business operated by NSW businessman Nelvin Nitesh Lal.

High marks for Townsville employers

More than three-quarters of Townsville businesses are complying with their record-keeping and pay-slip obligations under federal workplace laws, random checks by the Fair Work Ombudsman have revealed.

Company, director fined almost $50,000 for ignoring unfair dismissal compensation Order

A Melbourne company and its director have been fined almost $50,000 for ignoring a Fair Work Commission Order to pay $2200 compensation to a young employee who had been unfairly dismissed.

Child-care operator fined over underpayments

The owner-operator of a Melbourne child-care business has been fined $19,980 after showing no remorse over the underpayment of five employees.

Online workplace education courses win “gold”

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Online Learning Centre - which has attracted more than 17,000 users since it was launched last year - has been recognised for its use of educational videos.

Radio presenters were employees - not volunteers - and must be back-paid $60,000

A Melbourne radio station which paid two of its staff just $20 for each program they produced and presented must now back-pay the pair more than $60,000 in outstanding wages and entitlements.

Restaurant underpaid South Korean backpacker

A 24-year-old South Korean backpacker working in a Brisbane restaurant was underpaid more than $2200 in just seven weeks, an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman has found.