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THE operators of a Gold Coast restaurant have been fined more than $23,000 for falsifying staff records, following an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Yum Cha Robina Pty Ltd, which operates the Yum Cha Robina Chinese Restaurant, was penalised $20,700 after Fair Work inspectors discovered they had been given false rosters, time sheets and pay records for 45 employees, while restaurant manager and part-owner Iki Ngai-Ki Wong was fined a further $2850.
Inspectors discovered discrepancies when an employee provided records that were inconsistent with information provided by the employer.
Wong, who had previously been involved in record-keeping contraventions and underpayment at another restaurant, admitted the records she had provided were inaccurate and did not fully reflect the hours worked and wages paid.
The correct paperwork was later provided, including handwritten rosters and notebooks detailing cash tips made to employees, which showed that employees had often worked significantly longer and been paid more than was originally stated.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says legal action was initiated because of the deliberate and serious nature of the contraventions.
"The Court's decision should make it clear that record-keeping is not optional, and providing false records to disguise underpayment of staff is serious misconduct," she says.
Yum Cha Robina is now required to commission an audit of its compliance with workplace laws, report the results to the Agency and rectify any issues discovered.
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