Little Cupcakes in Melbourne’s CBD has been penalised for underpaying employees.
The Federal Circuit Court has imposed a $41,580 fine against Shri Krishna Guru Pty Ltd which operates Little Cupcakes stores on Degraves Street and William Street along with a former store on Queen Street.
It was found 35 employees were underpaid a total of $57,179.69 between January 2018 to February 2019.
Most of the affected staff were visa holders and 10 were under the age of 21. Individual underpayments ranged from $20.08 to $10,960,77.
The underpayments were discovered by the Fair Work Ombudsman during unannounced workplace visits on the Degraves Street and Hardware Lane dining areas.
“There is significant non-compliance by employers in the takeaway food services industry and there is a need to deter non-compliance with workplace laws in that industry,” said Judge Blake.
The court also imposed an $8,316 penalty against Shreyansh Dharmesh Shah, who is the company director. Shah was involved in contravening record-keeping and pay slip laws.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker has pledged that enforcing workplace laws will remain a priority.
“Any workers with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us,” said the Ombudsman.
All employees have now been back-paid.
Image credit: What’s On Vic
