The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a total of $58,000 in court penalties against a former hairdressing business in greater western Sydney and a former director for breaches affecting a young worker.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court has imposed a $55,000 penalty against Lizzy Hair Design Pty Ltd, which was based at Plumpton, and a $3,000 penalty against a former director Sharon Xuereb, who was the manager of the business.
The penalty was imposed in response to Lizzy Hair Design breaching pay slip laws and failing to comply with a Compliance Notice requiring it to calculate and back-pay entitlements owing to a young worker it employed as an apprentice hairdresser between May 2018 and June 2022. The worker was aged between 20 and 23 at the time.
The court has also ordered Lizzy Hair Design to back-pay the worker a total of $6,413, plus interest.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said business operators that fail to act on Compliance Notices need to be aware they can face penalties in court on top of having to back-pay workers.
"When Compliance Notices are not followed, we will continue to take legal action to protect employees. Employers who fail to act on these notices risk substantial penalties," Ms Booth said.
"Employers also need to be aware that taking action to protect young workers, which can often include apprentices, is among our top priorities. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance."
The FWO investigated after receiving a request for assistance from the affected worker.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Lizzy Hair Design in December 2022 after forming a belief that the company failed to pay the worker's accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements when her employment ended, owed under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 and the Fair Work Act's National Employment Standards.
The company has ceased trading as a hairdressing business.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace.
