Melbourne hairdressers fined $70,000 for underpaying young apprentice $8625

The operators of a chain of Melbourne hairdressing salons have been fined a total of $70,224 for underpaying a young apprentice $8625 – with a Judge saying the penalties send a message that “it does not pay to underpay workers”.

Almost one million visits every month seeking workplace relations information and advice

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s website recorded 11.7 million visits last financial year.

Self-help option on wages proves popular

The popularity of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s self-help online pay tool, PayCheck Plus, has hit an all-time high, with almost 900,000 visits so far this year.

Construction focus for new national campaign

Hundreds of construction businesses will come under scrutiny as part of a new national campaign announced today by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

New workplace pact aims to improve compliance

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) is joining forces with the Fair Work Ombudsman to help improve compliance with federal workplace laws relating to apprentices and trainees.

Results of Kangaroo Island campaign

The Fair Work Ombudsman today released the findings of its recent pro-active education and compliance campaign on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

Businesswoman back in court over fresh allegations of exploitation of overseas workers

A businesswoman fined almost $60,000 last year for deliberately exploiting overseas backpackers – but who has not paid the penalty – will face court for a second time over fresh allegations that she continues to exploit vulnerable overseas workers in Perth.

Muffin Break stores to reimburse underpaid Chinese student $20,000

A 24-year-old Chinese student who worked at two Muffin Break stores in Melbourne was underpaid almost $20,000, an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman has found.

$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.