Ombudsman orders Penrith salon to backpay underpayed staff

The operator of a hair salon has been penalised by the Fair Work Ombudsman after underpaying a teenage apprentice more than $14,000.

A Penrith salon has been ordered to backpay a former staff member, after a court found she had been underpayed. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

The operator of a hair salon has been penalised by the Fair Work Ombudsman after underpaying a teenage apprentice more than $14,000.

The Federal Circuit Court has penalised Jakoub Abboud $7873.20 and his company Hair-Rass Me Pty Ltd, which formerly operated a salon of the same name at the Westfield Penrith shopping centre on High Street, a further $70,000.

During the period of July 2015 and July 2016 the employee was underpaid by $14,507, which did not meet the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010.

The employee would often work 50 hour work weeks and only be paid $300, less than half of the $653 she was entitled to.

The court ordered Mr Abboud to back pay the employee the full $14,507 she is owed, plus interest.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said this case sends a strong message to both employers and employees.

“Young workers, including apprentices, are often not fully aware of their entitlements and we find that they are reluctant to complain, which can make them particularly vulnerable to exploitation,” Ms Parker said.

“Employers have a lawful responsibility to make themselves aware of the minimum wages and entitlements that apply to their employees, and to pay them in full. Ignorance of the law is never an acceptable defence for exploitation of workers.”