Drew and Schofer Real Estate Pty Ltd faces legal action by Fair Work Ombudsman
An inner west real estate agency is facing court and could cop a significant fine over allegations it failed to pay a junior staffer for almost the entirety of his employment.
Inner West
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A former real estate agency from Sydney’s inner west is being taken to court over allegations a junior staff member was unpaid for almost the entirety of his employment.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Drew and Schofer Real Estate Pty Ltd, which was based in Balmain, and the company’s sole director and shareholder Graeme Ralph Drew.
The Ombudsman will allege Mr Drew underpaid a former staffer who was employed on a full-time basis from July to September 2022.
In December 2022, the agency was issued with a compliance notice by Fair Work on the allegation it had failed to pay the 18-year-old’s wages “for all but the first few weeks of his employment”, along with accrued annual leave entitlements.
According to the regulator, the company was required to “calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements”, allegedly totalling $3,440.
It is alleged the company failed to pay the amount, which is still outstanding, without a reasonable excuse.
Now the Ombudsman is seeking penalties over the alleged noncompliance, which could total up to $41,250 for the company.
As the sole director and shareholder of the company, Mr Drew is alleged to be involved in the contravention and could face a $8250 fine.
On top of the penalties, the regulator is also seeking for the company to pay the alleged outstanding amount to the former employee, plus interest and superannuation.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests were not complied with.
“Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers,” Ms Booth said.
“Employers should also be aware that taking action to protect young workers is a priority for the FWO.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
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