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The Fair Work Ombudsman is prioritizing COVID-19 workplace disruptions which include the Job keeper payment compliance

What that means is over the next 12 months, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) are reviewing any underpayments in large corporations.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker has confirmed that Aussie workplaces can expect a degree of flexibility in the FWO’s enforcement approach in the new financial year, especially those sectors heavily impacted by the coronavirus crisis’

There have been many sectors within the Australian economy that have been seriously impacted by COVID-19. The FWO will enforce workplaces of their financial positions and review the challenges each are facing whilst recovering from the health disruption. The FWO are trying to uphold the integrity of the Jobkeeper scheme through these appropriate compliance activities.

“Due to the impact of COVID-19 on Australian workplaces, the number of employers and employees seeking our assistance has grown significantly,” Ms Parker said.

“More than 60 businesses have come forward to self-disclose workplace law breaches, with a total of half a billion dollars owed to workers — and that’s just what we know about,” Ms Parker said’

In other words, many large organisations in Australia need to prioritise and review workplace relations systems to ensure their paying workers are receiving the entitlements. Areas such as the fast food industry, cafes, restaurants, horticulture sector, franchisors and sham contracting.

‘Ms Parker did, however, explain that the agency will provide education, advice, tools and resources to small business and those hardest hit by COVID-19’

The FWO will take into account those businesses and their financial circumstances.

Excerpts taken from https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/2020-media-releases/july-2020/20200713-media-release-2020-21-priorities

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Maree Puznet
Marees Mobile Bookkeeping
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au