Don’t Get Caught Out With A Costly Underpayment.

Are You Confident Your Employment Arrangements Will Stand Up To Scrutiny If The Fair Work Ombudsman Comes Knocking?

Do you have employment contracts or individual flexibility agreements (IFAs) in place with your staff? When was the last time they were reviewed or when was the last time you undertook an audit of your Payroll system to make sure you are paying your staff correctly?
The Fair Work Ombudsman have highlighted their priorities for this year which include key sectors and issues as follows:

· large corporate underpayments
· fast food, restaurants and cafés
· horticulture
· franchise arrangements
· sham contracting.

Fair Work Ombudsman have made it clear that they are prepared to test the law or use their powers and publicly name employers who break the law to get the message out that it is not acceptable to underpay workers or deprive them of their entitlements.
The longer an underpayment goes undetected, the more difficult and expensive it becomes to rectify when it is picked up. Furthermore, there can be implications for superannuation, payroll tax and workers compensation premiums as well. It makes good sense to undertake an audit of your Payroll system to make sure payments are being made correctly to your employees.

The South Australian Business Chamber recommends you review your employment arrangements to ensure that:

1. they still meet your business needs
2. your employees are either being paid their minimum entitlements or are better off under alternative arrangements (such as contracts of employment or IFAs and
3. if applicable you are complying with your Modern Award and/​or Enterprise Agreement obligations.

How we can help:

If you are unsure of how the changes will impact your workplace or the employment arrangements you are a the South Australian Business Chamber member, contact our Business Advice Hotline on (08) 8300 0000 (select option one).

Industrial Relations Phone Advice Line:

We recognise that more support is needed by businesses across Australia as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the South Australian Business Chamber is here to provide industrial relations advice to businesses covered by Commonwealth Workplace Laws.

The South Australian Business Chamber can assist you to understand your workplace obligations and you don’t need to be a the South Australian Business Chamber Member: all you need to do is contact one of our Workplace Advisers on (08) 8300 0000 (select option 2).

Expert Workplace Consulting Services:

No problem is too big or too small and our Senior Consultants are also on standby to provide you with workplace advice regarding Awards or any other workplace support you may need. Call today on (08) 8300 0000 and speak with one of our highly experienced Senior consultants.