Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2022-11-02-brisbane-food-precincts-report-media-release
At a glance
- Penalty
- $400,000
- Employees affected
- 623
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated 77 businesses in Brisbane food precincts, including Brisbane CBD, South Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, and Sunnybank. The investigation found 75% of businesses breached workplace laws. A total of 623 underpaid workers were identified, with $404,721 in wages recovered. Common breaches included failing to pay penalty rates or casual loading, underpaying the minimum hourly rate, and failing to provide proper payslips. The largest recovery from a single business was $80,258 for 68 employees.
What was decided
The Fair Work Ombudsman recovered $404,721 in unpaid wages for 623 workers. 49 Compliance Notices were issued, recovering $383,983 for 609 workers. 29 Infringement Notices were issued for pay slip and record-keeping breaches, resulting in $78,932 in fines. Two businesses are subject to ongoing matters. The Fair Work Ombudsman emphasized that employers must comply with wage laws and will prioritize compliance in the food sector.
What it means for employers
Employers in the food and hospitality sector must ensure they are complying with all wage laws, including paying penalty rates, casual loading, and the minimum hourly rate. Accurate record-keeping and payslip provision are also essential. Failure to comply can result in significant financial penalties and enforcement action.
What it means for employees
Employees, particularly young workers and visa holders, should be aware of their workplace rights and seek help from the Fair Work Ombudsman if they suspect they are being underpaid or have concerns about their entitlements. The Assurance Protocol protects visa holders who seek assistance.
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This summary was drafted from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections