A ST ALBANS shop assistant has been back paid annual leave entitlements worth $6500 after losing her job earlier this year.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has also helped recover $8300 for a chef at an Essendon restaurant not paid wages in lieu of notice and annual leave entitlements upon termination of employment earlier this year.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said employers needed to ensure they paid workers their full termination entitlements when the employment ended.
“Paying workers correctly upon termination of employment is just as important as ensuring they receive their full entitlements throughout their employment,” she said.
“Termination entitlements play a vital supporting role for workers while they attempt to pick themselves up, find a new job and get back on their feet.”
Ms James said that after Fair Work Inspectors contacted the businesses and explained their obligations, the employees were reimbursed all money owed without the need for further action.
“Our focus is on educating employers about their obligations and helping them to put processes in place to ensure that any errors we find don’t occur again,” Ms James said.
Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit the www.fairwork.gov.au website or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.
