Fair Work Ombudsman on the ground investigating Hobart “cheap-eats” venues
More than 30 ‘cheap-eats’ Hobart venues will be visited by the Ombudsman, who are on the ground protecting vulnerable workers. Where inspectors will be looking for non-compliance >>
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Inner Hobart and northeastern suburb eateries will be targeted this week by the Fair Work Ombudsman who are visiting to make sure workers are getting the right pay and entitlements.
Thirty-four food outlets in Hobart CBD, North Hobart, Howrah, Bellerive, Rosny, Rosny Park and Lindisfarne have been targeted, mostly “cheap-eats” venues, with FWO inspectors on the ground speaking with business owners, managers and employees and requesting records.
The businesses were selected due to prior histories of alleged noncompliance, employee tip-offs, or employment of vulnerable workers such as visa holders or young people, according to the FWO.
FWO Anna Booth said protecting vulnerable workers and improving compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafes sector were priorities for the regulator.
She said inspectors would be holding employers to account and would not hesitate to take enforcement action if needed.
“We urge workers with concerns about wages and entitlements to reach out to us –
including anonymously if preferred. Employers should access our free tools and resources to
ensure they’re meeting their obligations, or contact the FWO directly for free advice,” Ms Booth said.
She said inspectors would be on alert for unlawfully low flat rates of pay; “off the books” employment arrangements; inadequate or missed breaks; non-payment of penalty rates and overtime rates; inadequate or false record-keeping and pay slips; and cashback schemes, in which employees are made to unlawfully pay back some of their wages, among other concerns.
More Coverage
Originally published as Fair Work Ombudsman on the ground investigating Hobart “cheap-eats” venues
War of words erupt over $60m spend on advertisement
The state government has dipped into public funds to pay millions in advertising, prompting a war of words between the major parties over whether it was worth it. Here’s how it was spent.
Bags packed as students return to school
After months of holidays, children around the state will have to set their alarms as school returns for another year. What students think ahead of the new school year.