The Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017 has now taken affect which means much higher penalties apply for ‘serious contraventions’ of workplace and record-keeping laws.

Included in the changes are new obligations for head offices of franchises and subsidiary networks when their franchisees or subsidiaries make underpayments or other breaches such as record keeping, not providing proper payslips, make false or misleading records and payslips occur.  The change is to ensure head offices take reasonable steps to prevent breaches occurring.

Of course, these penalties apply to all employers who make underpayments or other breaches.  As an employer it is your responsibility to understand your obligations under workplace laws and to continue checking to ensure changes are adhered to.  For assistance, please contact us.

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