Businesses will become increasingly (well, doubly to be exact) motivated to keep their paperwork and record keeping up to date with the recent introduction of higher penalties for poor record keeping.

According to Natalie James, Fair Work Ombudsman every Australian employer is obligated to keep up to date and accurate employment records.  She states, “The time for excuses is over”.

Two thirds of cases the Fair Work Ombudsman dealt with last financial year were a direct outcome of inaccurate record keeping and employee payslips.

While these doubled penalties may seem tough and possibly a little harsh, the Fair Work Ombudsman understands that genuine oversights can happen, this is aimed at repeat offenders.

Fair Work Australia are helping businesses reduce their risk of being exposed to big fines with the release of a new online training course.  Please see courses by clicking the link below: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/online-training

This course will assist business owners understand when, why and how they should make employment records.

The online course features examples that are relatable, practical, hints and tips plus interactive activities.  The online course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

If you are still unsure about the need for accurate record keeping check out the links below to review some cases and penalties.

Case examples:

Operators of a Gold Coast restaurant falsified employment records for several staff.  Yum Cha Robina Pty Ltd were fined more than $23,000 as a result of an investigation and litigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/2015-media-releases/september-2015/20150925-yum-cha-robina-penalty

The previous owner of the Red Dog Café in the Todd mall, Alice Springs was fined $1500 for record keeping failures as part of a Fair Work Ombudsman audit.

http://www.workforceguardian.com.au/resources/blog/darwin-cafe-fined-$1500-for-record-keeping-failures-and-ordered-to-undertake-training/

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