8 October 2009

Retail, hospitality focus in Tasmania

Fair Work inspectors have earmarked the retail and hospitality industries in Tasmania for a targeted campaign over the next two months.

Employers at Eastlands at Rosny Park will be the first to come under scrutiny when inspectors visit the shopping centre on October 26.

Fair Work Ombudsman Tasmanian Director Glenn Jordan says the campaign follows an Agency survey of students which found many young people were being asked to work without pay.

Twenty five per cent of students interviewed by Fair Work inspectors reported being asked to work for nothing at the start or end of their shift. 

Mr Jordan says the aim of the new campaign is to educate and assist employers understand and comply with the law and to ensure all workers are receiving their minimum legal entitlements.

“Some businesses seem to think it is okay to ask staff to prepare a store for opening and to clean up afterwards without paying them – but it’s not, it’s unlawful,” he said.

Fair Work inspectors plan to visit Eastlands about an hour before normal trading commences to speak with employees who have started work before shops open.

“Where we find staff on site prior to opening time, we will be asking for time and wage records to verify that employees are indeed receiving their correct pay and conditions,” Mr Jordan said. 

Inspectors will be monitoring rates of pay, including casual rates and minimum rates, penalty loadings for weekends and evenings, allowances, meal breaks and approval processes for workplace agreements.

Mr Jordan says that where breaches are identified, employers will initially be asked to rectify them voluntarily and inspectors will work with the business to assist it.

However, he warned that refusal to co-operate or serious breaches could result in prosecution, with a maximum penalty of $33,000 per breach applicable.

Mr Jordan urged any employer unsure about pay rates to contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit www.fwo.gov.au where they could download a range of information, including new Best Practice Guides to assist create better workplaces.

Media inquiries

Craig Bildstien, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations,
0419 818 484
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au

Ryan Pedler, Media & Stakeholder Relations Senior Adviser
(03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au