The Minister for Employment has moved to reassure small business operators that advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) should be relied upon, without fear of prosecution.
Senator Eric Abetz said in a statement that the Government encourages small business to rely on the workplace watchdog, and that they’re protected from prosecution should the information later be found to be incorrect.
The FWO website and phone line can provide quick and accurate advice to small business operators on pay, awards, entitlements, leave, terminations and general complaints.
“If, in good faith, callers to the Small Business Helpline follow the Fair Work Ombudsman’s advice, they will not be the subject of future penalty proceedings by the Fair Work Ombudsman should it turn out that advice was incorrect,” Senator Eric Abetz said.
“In combination with the recent announcement of priority service for small businesses who call the Ombudsman, small business operators will be able to spend less time getting advice and more time growing and supporting their enterprise,” he said.
Employers can call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 to obtain free advice and assistance from a team of expert advisers. There is also a range of tools and resources available on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
