The Fair Work Ombudsman has welcomed a ‘significant increase’ in compliance rates with workplace law within the security industry following a second round of audits.

 

The Ombudsman’s audit found that the industry’s level of compliance had lifted from just 47 per cent in 2009, to 75 per cent in 2011.

 

“That is a fantastic improvement,” Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson said today when releasing the results of a second targeted education and compliance campaign.

 

“This follow-up action indicates that our pro-active auditing work is achieving the desired outcomes,” he said.

 

After releasing the findings of an initial audit of the sector in 2009, the Ombudsman called for improved leadership within the sector to assist employers better understand their workplace obligations.

 

To assist this, the Ombudsman provided funding to the Australian Security Industry Association in 2010 to rollout a sector wide reform program.

 

The Association produced a guide for employers with information on the National Employment Standards, classifications, hours of work, breaks, shift work penalties, overtime, employment status, employee records and payslips and rates of pay.

 

A Fair Work Ombudsman targeted campaign in 2009 recouped $1.125 million back-pay for 1156 security staff nationally who had been underpaid.