FWO recovers over $58,000 for underpaid food outlet employees

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has announced the recovery of $58,391 for 121 underpaid food outlet employees in south-east Melbourne.

In a media release, the FWO said it issued 22 Compliance Notices to recover most of the amount, with about $200 recovered without the use of an enforcement tool.

The highest amount recovered was a total of $13,071 for four casual fast-food workers who were employed by a Melbourne business that paid them flat rates below the award minimum for all hours worked.

"Employers must follow all wage laws, including paying minimum wages, which have recently increased. Those doing the wrong thing are being found out and held to account," Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth in a statement.

High rate of breaches discovered

The recovery is the result of FWO's surprise inspections in Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Carnegie, Glen Huntly, Caulfield, Caulfield East, Elsternwick, and Clayton.

They inspected a total of 32 food businesses, where 26 (81%) were discovered to have breached workplace laws.

"The high rate of breaches of workplace laws in south-east Melbourne's fast food, restaurants, and cafés sector is disappointing, and consistent with our findings in the sector nationwide," Booth said.

Underpayment of minimum wages for ordinary hours was the most common breach during the inspection, with 19 businesses found committing it, according to the FWO.

Sixteen businesses were also discovered underpaying various penalty rates, while eight were not keeping accurate time records.

Employers who failed to meet their payslip and record-keeping duties were also fined $31,461 after receiving 15 Infringement Notices, according to the FWO.

Booth said a wide range of free online tools and resources are available to employers so they can ensure compliance with workplace laws. They may also contact the FWO for free advice.

"We also urge workers with concerns about wages and entitlements to reach out to us - including anonymously if preferred," Booth said.