Hospitality employers in Northern Victoria as well as South Australian fast-food and take-away businesses, are about to be targeted by Fair Work inspectors.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced it plans to step up scrutiny of the two groups in its latest wave of inspections.

In South Australia fast food operators will be targeted for 200 random audits as part of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s crack down on the industry in the state as the Fair Work Ombudsman put major fast-food franchises, fish and chip stores, pizza shops and take-away outlets on notice that they will be subject to random audits.

Inspectors from Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Port Augusta will conduct the face-to-face visits over the next four months.

They are expected to make surprise calls to about 200 employers.

The visits will begin in Adelaide and surrounding suburbs then follow in the regional towns of Victor Harbor, Goolwa, Murray Bridge, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Mt Gambier, Millicent and Robe.

Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the industry has been targeted because of the high number of complaints it is generating.

He says in cases where records are not up to scratch or indicate workers are being underpaid, inspectors may launch a wider investigation.

“Where we find records are not adequate or identify other non-compliance issues, we will provide information and assistance to employers and request they voluntarily rectify any problems,” Mr Campbell said.

“In cases where they don’t, or where we suspect deliberate underpayments or other serious breaches have occurred, we may launch a full audit which could lead to court proceedings.”

Meanwhile, in Victoria the regulator has put businesses in Tongala, Goornong, Elmore, Rochester, Kyabram, Rushworth and Tatura on notice that they will be subject to random audits.

A team of inspectors from the agency’s Bendigo office will visit hospitality businesses as well as hairdressing and farm supply businesses.

They are expected to make surprise visits to about 30 businesses tomorrow and Wednesday.

Employers will be asked to open their books to inspectors so they can check if staff are being paid correctly.

The audits will focus on employers’ record-keeping and pay slips to ensure they are complying with their legal obligations.