Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2025-04-03-sabcha-litigation-media-release
At a glance
- Penalty
- $1,000,000
- Employees affected
- 118
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Sabcha Pty Ltd, which operates 11 P’Nut Street Noodles restaurants in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast, and one of its directors, Ankur Sehgal. It is alleged that 118 workers, primarily migrant workers from countries including Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, India and Indonesia, were underpaid a total of $976,463 between April 2019 and May 2021. Alleged individual underpayments ranged from $70 to $79,000. The underpayments involved minimum wage, penalty, overtime rates, split-shift allowances, and leave entitlements. Sabcha is also accused of providing false or misleading time-and-wages records and pay slips.
What was decided
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties and orders for back-payment of wages, interest, and superannuation. Sabcha Pty Ltd faces potential penalties of up to $666,000 per serious breach and $66,600 per other breach. Ankur Sehgal faces penalties of up to $13,320 per breach. A directions hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2025, in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Sydney. The Fair Work Ombudsman emphasizes a commitment to protecting vulnerable workers and holding employers accountable for breaches.
What it means for employers
Employers, particularly those in the fast food, restaurants, and cafés sector, must ensure compliance with wage and record-keeping obligations. Providing false or misleading information to the Fair Work Ombudsman is a serious offence, attracting significantly increased penalties. Maintaining accurate pay slips and time-and-wages records is a legal requirement.
What it means for employees
Employees, especially migrant workers, should be aware of their entitlements and report any concerns about underpayment or unfair treatment to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Free advice and assistance are available.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2025-media-releases/april-2025/20250403-sabcha-litigation-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 →