Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2024-12-19-lizzy-penalty-media-release
At a glance
- Respondent
- Lizzy Hair Design Pty Ltd
- Penalty
- $58,000
- Employees affected
- 1
- Awards cited
- MA000153
What happened
Lizzy Hair Design Pty Ltd, a hairdressing business based in Plumpton, New South Wales, and its former director, Sharon Xuereb, have been penalized by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This followed a Fair Work Ombudsman investigation into breaches of pay slip laws and failure to comply with a Compliance Notice. The business employed a young apprentice hairdresser between May 2018 and June 2022. The apprentice was aged between 20 and 23 during this time. The company has now ceased trading.
What was decided
The court imposed a $55,000 penalty on Lizzy Hair Design Pty Ltd and a $3,000 penalty on Sharon Xuereb. Lizzy Hair Design was also ordered to back-pay the apprentice $6,413 plus interest. The penalties arose from failing to comply with a Compliance Notice regarding annual leave entitlements owed under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 and the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards. Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth emphasized the consequences of ignoring Compliance Notices.
What it means for employers
Employers must comply with Compliance Notices issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties and back-payment obligations. Businesses should prioritize protecting young workers, including apprentices, and ensure compliance with relevant awards and legislation. The FWO offers free online courses to help employers understand Compliance Notices.
What it means for employees
Employees, particularly young workers and apprentices, should seek assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman if they have concerns about their pay or entitlements. Free advice and assistance are available through the Fair Work Infoline and online resources.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2024-media-releases/december-2024/20241219-lizzy-penalty-media-releaseWant more cases like this?
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This summary was drafted by AI 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 →