DMIRS Industrial Inspectors have visited a number of café and restaurant business owners in the regional areas in recent weeks requesting employment records to check compliance with state employment laws.

The unannounced compliance visits in Lancelin, Jurien Bay, Dongara, Geraldton, Three Springs and Moora focused on café and restaurant business in the state industrial relations system, which are those that operate as sole traders, unincorporated partnerships and unincorporated trusts.

Pay rates, allowances and working hours for part time, full time and casual staff in state system cafés and restaurants are set by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers’ Award.  It is unlawful for employers to pay employees less than the rates of pay outlined in this WA Award.

Many of the business owners have been quick in providing employment records to the Industrial Inspectors, and audits are now being undertaken.  Employers can be penalised up to $5,000 for not keeping employment records, for keeping inadequate or fraudulent records, or not providing records to an Industrial Inspector when requested.

More information on employment obligations for state system café and restaurant owners is available on the Wageline website www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/wageline or by contacting Wageline on 1300 655 266.