The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has recovered $10,314 in unpaid wages for 85 workers at three businesses operating on the Central Coast and Mid North Coast, following an investigation into National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services providers.
Those three businesses were among a total 27 NDIS providers in western Sydney and inner-east Melbourne which were investigated by Fair Work inspectors between September 2019 and July 2020.
In total, the FWO recovered a total $43,204 in unpaid wages for 322 workers.
The most common contraventions related to underpayment of the minimum wage, followed by underpayments of weekend penalty rates and failure to pay travel allowances.
Businesses audited offered various forms of assistance to NDIS users, such as accommodation services, household tasks, community participation and personal mobility equipment.
Fair Work Ombudsman, Sandra Parker, said: “The FWO was concerned about the potential for non-compliance with workplace laws among NDIS service providers because of the sector’s rapid growth, with increased competition from new, relatively inexperienced employers.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman’s investigation should serve as a reminder to new employers and those in expanding industries about the importance of prioritising compliance with workplace laws.”
Parker said the Fair Work Ombudsman would continue to act on intelligence, including requests for assistance received from employees in the disability support sector.
Source:
Media release, Mar 29
Fair Work Ombudsman