Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
12 Oct 2010
Fair Work Ombudsman recovers $9200 back-
pay for Byron Bay apprentice
An apprentice at Byron Bay has been back-paid $9200 after an investigation by
the Fair Work Ombudsman found he was underpaid.
The apprentice lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman after he was
underpaid the guaranteed hours under his training contract.
After Fair Work inspectors contacted the company and explained its obligations,
the young worker was back-paid in full.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says that given the
employer co-operated and voluntarily rectified the matter, there will be no further
action against the company.
“We have a flexible, fair approach and our preference is always to work with
employers to educate them and help them voluntarily rectify any non-compliance
issues we identify,” Mr Campbell said.
“In most cases, the Fair Work Ombudsman does not prosecute employers for
inadvertent breaches of workplace laws.”
Mr Campbell says employers need to regularly review their Award or agreement
to ensure they are fully aware of their obligations to staff.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has a number of tools on its website -
rates of pay.
Small to medium-sized businesses without human resources staff can also ensure
they are better equipped when hiring, managing and dismissing employees by
using free template employment documentation with step-by-step instructions or
accessing a series of Best Practice Guides.
Employers and employees seeking advice or assistance should contact the Fair
Work Infoline on 13 13 94. Translations are available by calling 13 14 50.
Media inquiries:
Richard Honey, 0457 924 146, richard.honey@fwo.gov.au
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