The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operator of a Gold Coast outlet that offers shoe and bag repairs and key-cutting services.
Facing court is sole trader Jeffery Sellick, whose business trades as Multi Services Gold Coast, based at Robina.
The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a retail worker Mr Sellick employed from April to June 2022.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Mr Sellick in November 2022 after forming a belief that the worker had been underpaid minimum wages and Sunday penalty rates during her employment and was not paid accrued but untaken annual leave and payment-in-lieu-of-notice-of-termination entitlements at the end of her employment.
These were entitlements under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 and the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards.
The FWO alleges Mr Sellick, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required him to calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are 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 in addition to back-paying workers,” Ms Booth said.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”
The FWO is seeking a penalty in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane against Mr Sellick for the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice. He faces a penalty of up to $6,660.
The regulator is also seeking a court order for Mr Sellick to rectify the alleged underpayments in full, plus superannuation and interest.
Disclaimer: The news in this article is from Fair Work Ombudsman. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
