AusLeisure

The fitness industry is the focus of a new Fair Work Ombudsman education and compliance campaign in Queensland.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is contacting 100 businesses in Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Mt Isa as well as on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says employers will be asked to supply time-and-wages records for audit, explaining "inspectors will check that employers are paying employees their full entitlements and complying with their record-keeping obligations.

"Where Fair Work inspectors find records are not adequate or identify other non-compliance issues, they will provide information and assistance to employers and ask that they voluntarily rectify any problems."

Campbell says one of the main aims of the campaign is to ensure employers are aware of the assistance the Fair Work Ombudsman can provide to help them understand and comply with workplace laws, including Modern Awards.

The campaign will focus on employers covered by the Fitness Industry Award 2010, including centres focused on fitness, weight loss, aquatic activities, indoor sports, dance and martial arts, as well as golf driving ranges and recreational camps.

Employers will be selected at random and inspectors will be sensitive to the special needs of businesses suffering as a result of recent extreme weather events.

Campbell says the fitness industry is receiving attention because it is often a source of complaints and employs a significant number of young people.

He adds "young workers can be vulnerable because they are often not fully aware of their workplace rights and can be reluctant to complain, so it is important we ensure they are receiving their full entitlements."

The Fair Work Ombudsman has a number of tools on its website to assist employers and employees, including fact sheets on dozens of topics and tools for checking minimum rates of pay.

Employers or employees seeking assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline on 131 394 or visit the website. An interpreter service is available on 131 450.

For more information go to www.fairwork.gov.au

Image used for illustrative purposes only. 

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