Indies on alert

Independent fashion retailers in Melbourne have been put on alert.

The Fair Work Ombudsman will be checking the staff and wages records of independent retailers in Melbourne and inner suburbs this month.

Inspectors will randomly select 200 retailers across Melbourne’s CBD, North Melbourne, Carlton, Abbotsford, Richmond, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, and Docklands for the checks.

The audits will focus on entitlements paid to casual staff, following consistent complaints from young, casual retail staff.

Inspectors will check that employers are keeping appropriate records and providing staff with pay slips which include the required information, such as hours worked and pay rates applicable to all hours worked.

Inspectors will also check employers are complying with minimum engagement periods and providing new workers with a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement.

The statement gives workers details of how they can resolve issues around pay and conditions.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell said it is important employers understand their obligations.

“For example, failure to issue pay slips denies employees the opportunity to check that their entitlements are being met.

“Employers also need to be aware that even a small error in payments to staff, if left unchecked for a long period, can lead to a significant underpayment.