The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) provided more than 3,100 pieces of bespoke advice to employers confused about their workplace obligations in 2023-2024, with the regulator expecting even more in the years ahead.
The FWO released its annual report on Wednesday, highlighting how the workplace watchdog recovered $473 million in wages for nearly 160,000 underpaid workers.
But the report also celebrates businesses attempting to do the right thing by their employees.
The FWO said its Employer Advisory Service (EAS), designed to provide tailored advice to employer queries, issued 3,142 notices in 2023-2024, a 15% increase over the year.
They provided advice on the National Employment Standards, award provisions, and record-keeping rules, among other requirements under the law.
The EAS has now provided more than 7,300 pieces of written advice since its establishment in 2021, with the numbers increasing each year.
Instead of framing the rising number of businesses asking for help as a problem, the FWO welcomed the rise in businesses — predominantly small businesses — trying to increase their knowledge of workplace relations rules.
This includes micro-businesses with fewer than five staff, which accounted for half of all EAS queries.
“Many small businesses that ask the EAS for help are those looking to employ staff for the first time,” the report said.
“Most new employers have low levels of workplace relations knowledge and do not understand the basic principles of employing staff under an award.
“This is where the EAS provides vital services to ensure these new employers can get their workplace law compliance correct from day one of hiring a new employee.”
The FWO expects those numbers to increase, with the commencement of the criminal wage theft offence next year expected to put employers on high alert.
To meet that projected demand, this year’s federal budget included a further $20.5 million in funding for the EAS over four years.
Beyond the EAS, the FWO said its Small Business Showcase — a digital home for its information, tools, and resources for small businesses — saw nearly 30,000 extra visits over the year compared to 2022-2023.
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Senior Business Journalist
Focused on the small business sector, David’s work covers the political, regulatory, and economic issues facing Australian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining SmartCompany, he was a reporter for Business Insider Australia. You can follow him on LinkedIn.
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