Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
13 Oct 2010
Launceston apprentice back-paid $14,400 after
regulator intervenes
An apprentice in Launceston is being reimbursed more than $14,400 after the
Fair Work Ombudsman intervened.
The worker lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman after he was paid
as an apprentice despite the apprenticeship never being registered.
After the Fair Work inspectors contacted the company and explained that
apprentice wage rates can only be paid to registered apprentices, the employer
immediately began to back-pay the worker.
The employer agreed to repay the money in instalments over three months.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says it is important
employers do not delay lodgements of apprenticeship agreements for young
workers.
“When inspectors come across cases where employers have been erroneously
paying a worker apprentice rates for some time, the business can find itself faced
with a significant back-payment,” he said.
Mr Campbell says that given the employer co-operated and voluntarily rectified
the matters, there will be no further action against the company.
“Our preference is always to work with employers to educate them and help them
voluntary rectify any non-compliance issues,” he said.
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 available online.
Employers or employees seeking assistance or further information can also
contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am-6pm weekdays. For
translations, call 13 14 50.
Media inquiries:
Richard Honey, 0457 924 146, richard.honey@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
