20 businesses in northern Perth will receive unannounced inspections from the Fair Work Ombudsman this week.
Eateries in the suburbs of Wanneroo and Joondalup will be visited by Fair Work Inspectors, who will be checking if workers are receiving the right pay and entitlements.
The businesses were selected according to the following criteria: having a history of non-compliance, employee tip-offs, and the employment of vulnerable workers such as visa holders and young people.
“Inspectors are on the ground in Perth this week speaking with employees and holding employers to account if they are not following workplace laws,” says Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth.
“We won’t hesitate to take enforcement action if needed, and employers should be aware that some penalties have recently increased.
“These inspections are part of a national food precincts program where we’ve often found that low-cost dining comes at the expense of workers’ lawful wages.
“This sector engages many young workers and visa holders who can be vulnerable, as they are often unaware of their workplace rights or unwilling to speak up.”
Inspectors will speak with business owners and managers as well as employees, with representatives also requesting records for proof.
Low flat rates of pay; unrecorded employment arrangements; missed breaks; cashback schemes; and false pay slips are all front of mind for inspectors during this week’s inspections.
The surprise audits are part of a broader national program that has seen Melbourne workers back-paid more than $680,000.