Businessman faces legal action for allegedly underpaying staff $1.8 million
A recent article posted on fairwork.gov.au claims that a Sydney businessman will face court proceedings alleging he was involved in underpaying 22 employees more than $1.8 million.
The article states that Mr Silverbrook is already the subject of court action in which the Fair Work Ombudsman alleges 21 workers are owed more than $870,000.
Mr Silverbrook was allegedly responsible for the overall direction, management and supervision of operations at Priority Matters, Geneasys and Superlattice Solar and is also a respondent to each of the proceedings.
The Fair work Ombudsman claims the $1.8 million worth of underpayments are primarily the result of employees not being paid either their full wages or any wages at all for extended periods of work between February and December last year.
Employees were also variously underpaid amounts of public holiday pay, leave entitlements, termination entitlements and redundancy pay.
Ms James says the employers’ alleged failure to rectify the non-payment of such a large wages bill, despite efforts by Fair Work inspectors, is a key factor in the two additional matters being placed before the court.
Mr Silverbrook and Ms Lee face maximum penalties of up to $10,200 per contravention, while Mpowa Pty Limited faces penalties of up to $51,000 per breach.
To view the full article visit http://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/2014-media-releases/july-2014/businessman-faces-further-legal-action-for-allegedly-underpaying-staff-1-8-million
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Don’t let this happen to you or your business – get advice!
Feel free to contact us at Human Resource Services Pty Ltd for an obligation free chat (07) 5530 1571
