FWO Announces 2022-23 Priorities
Each year the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) announces the areas they will be focusing on.
The FWO has announced their priorities for 2022-23. Their key focus remains protecting small business employers and employees and vulnerable workers. The FWO will continue to focus on: fast food, restaurants, and cafes; agriculture; sham contracting; large corporate and university sectors; and contract cleaning. These sectors are known to have many vulnerable workers.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker says there are “high levels of non-compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafe sector.” She also notes the high reliance of the agriculture sector on visa holders – these workers “can be at greater risk of exploitation, and its often-complex labour supply chain.”
Parker says the FWO is “concerned about the allegations of long-running underpayments in many universities.” It is likely that these underpayments have largely been caused by the sector’s over-reliance on casual workers and a failure to wholly compensate workers for their time. “We expect to be taking high-level enforcement action against a number of universities this year and urge all to prioritise their compliance,” said Ms Parker.
The FWO will be conducting investigations into all priority industries to ensure that large corporations are complying with existing wage laws.
The key takeaway for all businesses (not only those which belong to a priority sector) is to be proactive in undertaking compliance activities. Complacency can quickly develop into non-compliance; whilst the FWO is specifically targeting specific sectors, all businesses run the risk of being audited.
If you have questions about your business compliance Voice Lawyers are available to assist you. We conduct onsite audits and provide advice and representation to employers.
Contact us for details about our Legal update breakfast series for Hospo Industry owners and managers.
Make an appointment for a consultation, call us on (02) 9261 1954 or email us at voice@voicelawyers.com.
