Fair Work Ombudsman to audit Melbourne retailers

If you have a retail business in Melbourne and the inner suburbs, this month would be a good time to be absolutely certain that you are keeping appropriate and accurate records of your staff and their wages, as the Fair Work Ombudsman has announced it will be checking up on Melbourne retailers as part of a new education and compliance campaign.

Fair Work Inspectors will randomly select 200 retailers in the CBD, North Melbourne, Carlton, Abbotsford, Richmond, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Docklands, with this month’s audits to focus on entitlements paid to casual staff.

Aside from checking wages, inspectors will ensure employers are complying with minimum engagement periods as well as providing new staff with a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement.

“It is important that businesses get it right when it comes to record-keeping, pay slip obligations and minimum pay rates” Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell said. “For example, failure to issue pay slips denies employees the opportunity to check that their entitlements are being met.

“Employers also need to be aware that even a small error in payments to staff, if left unchecked for a long period, can lead to a significant underpayment.”

If you require further assistance, contact the KBA HR Team on 1300 4 ADVICE.

Source: Fair Work Ombudsman (11 June 2013). “Fair Work Ombudsman targets Melbourne retailers.” Retrieved 14-06-2013.