In case you’re unaware, Fair Work Australia has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the obligations you have as an employer in the fuel retailing industry.
A number of employers across WA, SA and NT will be contacted at random in order to assess certain elements of their business; this means you may soon receive a request for all wage records and relevant paperwork from a specific time period.
Why is this happening? According to Fair Work, the fuel retailing industry is a major offender when it comes to employee complaints – which usually result in employees being owed wages or entitlements, they also point out that the high number of junior and non-English speaking employees in the industry means this particular workforce is more vulnerable to non-compliant employers.
The maximum fine from Fair Work can be up to $33,000 per breach, with the additional risk of back-payments for underpaid wages, even if accidental. Whilst advice will be openly provided, they will also be performing checks on employer records to ensure you are compliant, this includes checking your records, pay slips, and templates, also known as an audit.
The most recent retail industry campaign found 26% of employers selected for audit to be in contravention and have recovered $585,399 in back pay to date, this from just 1800 employers.*
If you are contacted by Fair Work, how can you ensure that you are complaint?
There are certain areas on which you will be assessed, for example:
– Do you know which NES standards apply to your employees and are you providing them?
– Do you know which award or agreement covers your business and the subsequent rates, loadings and allowances that apply?
– Do you know of or use individual flexibility agreements?
These just a few of the questions you will face if selected by Fair Work for auditing.
If you contact EI before 16th November 2012, they will offer you a 10% discount on their services. EI have a team of workplace lawyers and who provide practical advice on all employment law issues and as much, or as little, support as you need.
www.thinkei.com
Julia@thinkei.com
0432 074 656
*From the Fair Work Ombudsman National Retail Industry Campaign 2010-11
http://www.fairwork.gov.au/campaignresults/National/Retail-Industry-Campaign-Final-Report.pdf
Subscribe to our free mailing list and always be the first to receive the latest news and updates.