THE Fair Work Ombudsman has ordered three south-west businesses to back pay employees a total of $30,600.
The largest recovery was $11,900 for an agricultural manager in his 50s at a Hamilton area property, who lodged a complaint with Fair Work after he was underpaid the minimum hourly rate.
The employee was reimbursed all money owed without further action when a Fair Work inspector contacted the business and explained its obligations.
A farmhand at a property south of Hamilton was also back paid $10,600 after not receiving payment for all hours worked.
Meanwhile, a Warrnambool manager in her 60s had been underpaid $8100 after not receiving annual leave and long service leave entitlements, the Fair Work Ombudsman said.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson said most employers corrected problems immediately after inspectors identified them.
“We’re here to assist and give practical advice to employers on how to voluntarily resolve issues,” Mr Wilson said this week.
“The three businesses involved have now corrected the errors that led to the underpayments and put processes in place to ensure they will not happen again.”
Workers or employers seeking support should get in touch with the Fair Work Ombudsman via the website www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.
For regular updates on workplace law, workers and employees can sign up to receive the Fair Work Ombudsman’s eNewsletter at www.fairwork.gov.au/enewsletter.