As underpayments in the retail industry continue to dominate news headlines, it has never before been so important to take proactive steps to ensure award compliance. In this challenging time where wage compliance is not just ‘a nice thing to have’ but an essential aspect of any business, understanding the complex rules in the General Retail Industry Award is essential for retail management teams.
Underpayment scandal after scandal has shown retailers are vulnerable to common compliance traps:
- misinterpreting modern awards and enterprise agreements;
- misunderstanding entitlements and allowances;
- mis-classifying employees; and
- misapprehending which modern award applies to your business.
Fortunately for our members, and as Australia’s largest team of workplace relations experts orientated to the retail and quick service industries, we can readily provide guidance and tools to help you navigate the Fair Work Act, modern awards and other workplace laws.
The NRA team have worked with a number of known retail brands to provide multi-faceted support in the wake of wage non-compliance. With a skill-set which covers independent payroll and workplace auditing, dealing with the regulator on behalf of businesses, and providing training and education to managers and employees, the NRA provides a complete suite of services to businesses facing compliance issues.
With the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act having taken effect in 2017, the Fair Work Ombudsman has placed employers on notice that significant penalties will be attached to contraventions of workplace laws. Businesses are now compelled to proactively monitor, review and resolve any issues that may arise. The NRA is a trusted provider of key services in this regard, by both businesses and by the regulatory bodies.
