In yet another case of dodgy employers being caught out a Brisbane fast food business has has been hit with $185,000 in penalties for falsifying pay slips and the company Director has been hit with a further $19,000 personal fine.
The Fortitude Valley fast food outlet was investigated by the Fair Work Ombudsman following a staff complaint in 2018. It was uncovered that the business had underpaid the employee by $59,200 in total when he was paid a flat $11-$13 per hour for work over his two years of employment.
“The business was required to backpay all amounts, plus interest, however the penalties levied now are simply about the fact that as part of the investigation the business provided the Fair Work Ombudsman with false documents, including payslips”, explained ACAPMA’s Elisha Radwanowski.
In discussing this particular case the current Fair Work Ombudsman, Sandra Parker, said that consequences for false records are steep and growing; “Falsifying records and providing them to the Fair Work Ombudsman is extremely serious conduct and it will be met with the strongest possible enforcement action”.
Ms Parker outlines clearly that staff are encouraged to report concerning workplace conduct, and that they can do so without fear of losing their visa or employment status.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman has an agreement with the Department of Home Affairs, called the Assurance Protocol, where visa holders can ask for out help without fear of their visa being cancelled for breaches of their work-related visa conditions”, explained Ms Parker.
Here to help
HR Highlights are things to consider, implement and watch out for in your business. They are provided as general advice and you should seek further advice on your situation reaching out to ACAPMA Employment Professionals via employment@acapma.com.au – it’s free for members.
Click here to apply for ACAPMA membership.
Elisha Radwanowski BCom (HRM &IR)
ACAPMA
Source: https://acapmag.com.au/2022/06/fake-payslips-lead-to-204000-penalties/.
