SCALLYWAGS GET JUSTICE MELBOURNE: Forty-five workers who lost their jobs when a Melbourne factory closed earlier this year can now apply to the Federal Government for over $500,000 in back-pay. The workers were employed by Jaido Pty Ltd, which traded as Scallywags Socks, before the company closed its Heidelberg West factory in May. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated the company after the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia lodged a complaint about unpaid superannuation contributions. Fair Work inspectors discovered Jaido had allegedly failed to pay out $537,000 in termination entitlements and $54,000 in superannuation to 45 employees dismissed when the factory closed.
PACIFIC PENNY PINCHING NATIONAL: Pacific Brands looks set to continue its cost cutting drive with news it is reviewing its advertising spend. Figures from media monitoring agency Nielsen reveal the company spent $13.2 million on media in the year to April 2009, down from $22.2 million the previous year. It is understood the publicly listed company is currently reviewing the number of advertising agencies it employs as part of efforts to further drive down costs. The Pacific Brands portfolio includes Bonds, Berlei, Voodoo, Everlast and Mooks.
SUCCESS NO ILLUSION MELBOURNE: Founder of Blue Illusion womenswear label and retail network, Donna Guest, has been nominated for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010. Guest’s entrepreneurial efforts include the launch of the wholesale Blue Illusion label, the debut of the first Blue Illusion boutique in 1998, the transition to a vertical operation, and the subsequent building of the brand to its current base of 65 stores across Australia. Guest is still expanding the business, aiming to have 120 stores in operation across Australia and New Zealand by 2014.
DESIGNERS FOR WOOL SYDNEY: Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has continued its bid to chase the designer market, with leading designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales (Romance Was Born) and Therese Rawsthorne taking part in a trade show last month. The three designers showcased their work at the world’s largest sheep show – the Australian Sheep and Wool Show – in Bendigo on July 16.
