The federal workplace watchdog has launched a prosecution against a Newcastle bakery, alleging it failed to keep proper time-and-wages records for four former employees who claimed they had been underpaid.Under workplace law, employers must maintain time-and-wages records relating to employees and former employees and provide the records to workplace inspectors on request.

In documents lodged in the Chief Industrial Magistrate’s Court in Sydney, the Fair Work Ombudsman alleges that Newcastle Bakehouse did not make or keep records with sufficient details to allow Fair Work inspectors to determine whether four former employees had been paid their full entitlements.

The prosecution documents also allege that Newcastle Bakehouse failed to comply with a requirement to issue the former employees payslips containing basic information within one day of payment of their wages.

The ex-staff – one male apprentice baker and three female customer service workers – finished their employment with Newcastle Bakehouse between August 2008 and February this year.

Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says workplace inspectors requested the records of the four former employees after they complained they had been underpaid.

Mr Campbell said it is alleged that Newcastle Bakehouse committed nine contraventions of workplace law.

The maximum potential penalty per contravention is $5500.

Workers and employers alike can contact the FWO Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit www.fwo.gov.au for assistance.

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