The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operators of a Brisbane business that created lead generation for investment properties through home appointments.
Facing court are Core Strategies Pty Ltd and its sole director Stephen Thomas.
The regulator began an investigation after receiving a request for assistance from a worker employed by Core Strategies as a call centre worker between February and August 2020.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Core Strategies in March 2021 after forming a belief that the worker had been underpaid JobKeeper entitlements, annual leave on termination and payment-in-lieu-of-notice under the Fair Work Act and the National Employment Standards.
The FWO alleges Core Strategies, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements. It is alleged Mr Thomas was involved in the contravention.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
“Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties in addition to back-paying workers.”
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance,” Ms Parker said.
The FWO is seeking penalties against Core Strategies Pty Ltd and Mr Thomas for allegedly failing to comply with the Compliance Notice.
The maximum penalty for the company is $33,300 and the maximum penalty for Mr Thomas is $6,660.
The regulator is also seeking an order for Core Strategies Pty Ltd to comply with the Compliance Notice, which includes rectifying any underpayments in full, plus interest and superannuation.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane on 7 March 2022.
