Food outlet checks coming

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched an investigation into food outlets in Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.

About 50 Perth cafes and restaurants are among the businesses being audited as part of the campaign to ensure workers are being paid their full entitlements, including minimum pay rates and penalty rates.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Bill Loizides says the sector is receiving attention because it consistently provides a high level of complaints and employs a large number of vulnerable workers, including juniors, casuals and foreign workers.

"If inspectors find minor or inadvertent contraventions, our preferred approach is to educate the employer and assist them to voluntarily rectify the issue," he said.

"The campaign will also benefit employers who are complying with workplace laws because our auditing of compliance with minimum pay rates will help to ensure businesses are competing on a level playing field."

Source: ABC News, 13 May 2012