Wage theft inspectors put Noosa restaurants in their crosshairs

Wage theft inspectors are cleaning the decks in Noosa.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has 35 Noosa businesses in its sights including 15 food outlets.

The hospitality venues are all in Noosa Shire and include high-end restaurants as well as cheap eat venues.

The FWO is working on intelligence such as anonymous reports and other factors like the vulnerability of visa holder workers.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the inspections aimed to protect vulnerable workers, with fast food, restaurant and café sectors a priority.

“Inspectors on the Sunshine Coast are busy this week visiting farms and eateries to speak with employees and hold employers to account if they are not meeting their obligations,” Booth said.

“We will take enforcement action where appropriate. We also act to ensure employers understand their legal responsibilities, including record-keeping and the minimum wage guarantee for pieceworkers in horticulture.

“We know the agriculture and fast food, restaurant and café sectors employ many young workers and visa holders who can be vulnerable to exploitation, as they are often unaware of their workplace rights and unwilling to speak up. Migrant workers may also have limited English skills.

“Employers who need assistance meeting their obligations should contact the FWO directly for free advice, and we also urge workers with concerns to reach out to us.”

A national program introduced by the FWO which has audited fast food, restaurant and cafés recently recovered more than $680,000 in unpaid wages for workers around the country.

Jonathan Jackson, 13^th September 2023