60 Newtown restaurants, takeaway and cafe’s face audits
AT LEAST 60 Newtown restaurants, cafes and takeaway shops along the popular King St dining strip will be audited this week as part of a Fair Work investigation.
Inner West
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AT LEAST 60 Newtown restaurants, cafes and takeaway shops along the popular King St dining strip will be audited this week as part of a Fair Work investigation.
The investigation follows anonymous reports alleging underpayments in the area, many of which are coming from young workers and visa holders, Fair Work Ombudsman’s Sandra Parker said.
Ms Parker said the inner west had the third highest rate of anonymous reports in the state.
She said the audits were a part of a compliance and education campaign, targeting the hospitality sector.
She said it would ensure businesses were complying with workplace laws.
“Inspectors are speaking with King St employers, managers and employees to check that workers are receiving their full wages and entitlements,” Ms Parker said.
“We are also reviewing records to ensure businesses are complying with important pay slip and record keeping laws.
“Cheap eateries in busy precincts operate in a particularly competitive environment, with labour representing a significant cost.
“When low menu prices seem too good to be true, customers should stop and consider — are we paying enough to cover workers minimum wages,” she said.
Ms Parker said the hospitality sector employed a large proportion of vulnerable workers.
“We have a strong emphasis on ensuring young migrants workers are aware of their rights and know how to seek help with workplace issues,” she said.
Employers or employees can get assistance at fairwork.gov.au or by calling 13 13 94.