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EMPLOYERS are being urged to check the pay rates and entitlements that apply to their business over Easter, to avoid having egg on their face with Fair Work.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says most underpayments are inadvertent and the result of employers failing to check their minimum obligations under workplace laws.
"Whether you are a business operator preparing for Easter trading or an employee working through Easter, it's important to be aware of the public holidays and any penalty rates that apply," James says.
"Our website can assist employers and workers alike understand and comply with their rights and obligations so there aren't any issues arising post-Easter."
Information on the public holidays page includes an overview of the workplace laws that apply on public holidays, including what employers need to pay and what employees are entitled to.
Good Friday on March 25 and Easter Monday on March 28 are recognised as national public holidays.
Easter Saturday is considered a public holiday across Queensland, Victoria, NSW and South Australia, however employers in Victoria and NSW must also observe penalties on Easter Sunday.
James says Fair Work was striving to build a culture of compliance with workplace laws to ensure an even playing field for all businesses.
She says employees and employers can use the Fair Work Ombudsman's free online resources to double-check entitlements specific to their workplace.
"It is important for employers to be fully aware of the minimum pay rates that apply to their employees, otherwise they can end up facing bills for back-payment of wages they were not budgeting for," she says.
"We are committed to supporting compliant, productive and inclusive Australian workplaces by providing practical advice that is easy to access, understand and apply."
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