Checking workplace compliance in Newcastle food outlets

Did you know that Fair Work Inspectors conduct audits of locations and industries?

That’s right, in fact we’re making surprise inspections of food outlets in Newcastle this week to check workers are getting the right pay and entitlements.

About 50 businesses face investigations with Fair Work Inspectors speaking to business owners, managers and employees on the ground, and requesting records.

Why are you auditing these businesses?

We’re acting after receiving intelligence from a range of sources, including anonymous reports, indicating potential underpayments of employees in the area. Most of the eateries are cheap eats venues.

Businesses were targeted for investigation based on indicators of non-compliance, such as tip-offs through our website, or if they employed vulnerable workers such as visa holders, or both.

What are inspectors looking for?

Inspectors are on alert for issues including insufficient hourly rates; late or non-payment of wages; payslips not being provided or being inaccurate; deliberately falsified time and wage records; and the non-payment of overtime or time off in lieu.

Why are you choosing cheap eats and fast food businesses?

Protecting vulnerable workers and improving compliance in the fast food, restaurant and café sector are ongoing priorities for us.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said “Our inspections have uncovered high levels of non-compliance nationwide. Any workers with concerns should contact the FWO directly for free assistance,”.

“In general, visa holder workers can be especially at risk of exploitation as they’re often unfamiliar with Australian workplace laws or reluctant to ask questions to their employer.”

Have audits been effective for FWO?

The Newcastle audits are part of a national program that’s previously targeted eateries in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Launceston, Darwin, the Gold Coast and most recently Perth.

In the fast food, restaurant and café sector, we have secured court-ordered penalties of $1.66 million from litigations and recovered more than $13 million for underpaid employees in 2021-22 . Read the full story: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2023-media-releases/april-2023/20230419-newcastle-frac-audits-media-release#twitter

Need help with workplace compliance? Use our interactive tools for the fast food, restaurant and café sector, and for any franchisees . If you’re business is in another industry, get help from our Pay Calculator and Small Business Showcase .?