The Fair Work Ombudsman is targeting businesses in the South West region of greater Sydney in its latest campaign to promote compliance with workplace laws.
At least 200 manufacturing, retail, construction and other businesses will be audited across a region encompassing the Sydney suburbs of Cabramatta, Liverpool, Fairfield and surrounding areas.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said that with many workers engaged in low-skilled labour and coming from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the workforce in the Sydney – South West region is particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
“Over the last two financial years, my agency has recovered more than $550,000 for 264 workers in this region,” she said.
“We are conscious that workers in this region may face barriers to understanding workplace laws and to taking action to address workplace issues. This potentially makes them more susceptible to accepting sub-standard working conditions.”
Fair Work Inspectors are checking businesses’ wage and time records to ensure employers are complying with their workplace obligations.
Employers found to have minor issues caused by genuine mistakes will be provided with education and assistance to rectify their issues and improve their processes to ensure future compliance.
Businesses that refuse to cooperate or any examples of serious non-compliance may lead to enforcement action, including litigation.
“Through our proactive compliance and education campaigns we are seeking to ensure that employers fully understand Australian workplace laws and are well equipped to build a culture of compliance in their workplaces,” James said.