This worker has been back-paid $18,000

A young Surfers Paradise worker has been back-paid almost $18,000 after being paid just $12 an hour for nearly a year.

The 22-year-old female employee should have been getting a minimum hourly rate of $23.74, rising to $25.64 on Saturdays and up to $37.98 on Sundays.

However, she told the Fair Work Ombudsman that when she asked to be paid her lawful entitlements, the business offered her an extra $1 an hour.

The employer allegedly told the worker that this was “on a par” with wages being offered by other similar businesses in the area.

After receiving a phone call from the Fair Work Ombudsman to point out its workplace obligations, the employer is now paying correct wage rates applicable under the General Retail Industry Award.

It has also reimbursed her all outstanding entitlements dating back to February, 2015, when the employee was recruited.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said the employer has been appropriately educated about its obligations and given information about the free tools and resources on offer at www.fairwork.gov.au

“Employers in Surfers Paradise need to be aware that there are minimum wage rates, they apply to all workers, and they are not negotiable,” she said.

She said that because the retail employer has co-operated, agreed to repay all money owed and ensure ongoing compliance with its obligations, it has avoided enforcement action.

“Our focus is on educating employers about their obligations and assisting them to put processes in place to ensure that any errors we find don't occur again."