The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a media release busting the ten myths that leave young employees underpaid. Employers watch out! This year the Ombudsman will be out looking for underpaid young workers.

If you are an employer, then you should make sure that you don’t fall for any of the 10 myths or you might face enforcement action by the Ombudsman.

1. Paying flat rates for all hours is NOT OK (even if the worker agrees)

2. Lengthy unpaid trials are NOT OK

3. Not paying employees for compulsory training outside of work hours is NOT OK

4. Unauthorised deductions from an employee’s pay for cash register discrepancies is NOT OK

5. Requiring employees to buy store products such as clothing is NOT OK (even with a staff discount)

6. Unpaid internships are NOT OK

7. Paying young workers as trainees or apprentices without lodging the formal paperwork is NOT OK

8. Paying employees ‘in-kind’ is NOT OK

9. Not paying the minimum rates because the employee has an ABN is NOT OK

10. Not giving employees pay slips is NOT OK

Contact Peter McNamara today for your workplace law advice.

Read the full Media Release here.