Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
10 Oct 2010
Supermarkets focus of new campaign in Perth
and regional Western Australia
The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced plans to randomly audit more than
100 major supermarkets in Perth and regional Western Australia.
The Agency has written to supermarkets throughout the State to inform them of
the targeted campaign and provide information about workplace laws.
The campaign will be conducted in three stages.
Fair Work inspectors last week wrote to 40 supermarkets located north of the
Swan River in Perth to ask them to supply records for audit.
Once received, inspectors will scrutinise the documents to check whether
employers are paying staff correctly and complying with their legal obligations
relating to record-keeping and payslips.
The second stage will commence in January, when inspectors will target a further
40 supermarkets south of the river.
In the third and final stage in March, an additional 40 supermarkets will be
randomly selected from various regional centres.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says a number of
supermarkets which have previously been the subject of complaints will be
audited again.
Mr Campbell says a key objective is to help employers understand national
workplace laws, including Modern Awards and National Employment Standards.
“Where we find records are not adequate or identify other non-compliance issues,
we will provide information and assistance to employers and request they
voluntarily rectify any problems,” he said.
“In cases where they don’t, or where we suspect deliberate underpayments or
other serious breaches have occurred, we may launch a full investigation.”
Mr Campbell says the Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of user-friendly
resources on its website to assist employers to comply with workplace laws and
operate their workplace at best practice.
keeping templates, a self-audit checklist, template letters and fact sheets on
dozens of topics including leave, industrial action, public holidays, enterprise
bargaining, gender pay equality and family-friendly workplaces,” he said.
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Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
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As well as Online resources, the Fair Work Ombudsman has more than 200
highly-skilled advisers available to speak with employers and workers with
questions on its Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am - 6pm weekdays.
The Fair Work Ombudsman also has Best Practice Guides which have been
developed to assist employers make better use of the provisions of the Fair Work
Act and better understand other aspects of workplace laws.
Mr Campbell says the guides cover work and family, consultation and co-
operation, individual flexibility arrangements, employing young workers, gender
pay equity, small business, workplace privacy, managing underperformance,
effective dispute resolution and improving workplace productivity.
Media inquiries:
Ryan Pedler, Senior Media Adviser. (03) 9954 2561, 0411 430 902.
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
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