Late last year the Protecting Vulnerable Workers Act 2017 was passed which significantly increases penalties for employers who fail to comply with their obligations. For example, companies can receive penalties of up to $630,000 per contravention while individuals can be fined $12,600 per contravention.
The Commission has made it clear they are serious about compliance. In fact, the Fair Work Ombudsman has stated: “If a business cannot get the basic requirements right, then there’s going to be a whole host of problems down the track for the workers and also the employer”.
“We’ll start with 1000 hotspots”
To begin, the Commission will be auditing 1000 businesses across Australia in industries that are notoriously poor at keeping records and paying workers in accordance with their appropriate Awards.
In particular, inspectors will be checking time and wage records in sectors where large numbers of casuals, migrants and students are employed. In other words, they are focusing on taking care of the most vulnerable Australian workers.
“It is imperative that businesses make themselves aware of their obligations as the potential penalties for such contraventions have never been higher”, said Ms Hannah (Acting Fair Work Ombudsman).
Assistance Available Online And In-Person
To assist businesses with education and training, the Fair Work Commission recently launched an online training course to explain recordkeeping obligations to employers. To access the course, visit www.fairwork.gov.au/learning
There is also assistance for those businesses who use contract labour and/or labour hire organisations. To access guides to help you monitor labour supply companies, visit https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for
For a more tailored approach to help you fulfil your Fair Work obligations, contact the expert team at End2End Business Solutions on 02 8977 4002.