How young Australians can avoid being underpaid

A recent report has revealed that nearly one-third of young Australians are not being paid correctly, with many also denied their entitled breaks or superannuation. Whether you're starting your first job or juggling casual work while studying, it’s vital to know your rights and how to protect yourself from dishonest employment practices.

Spotting red flags

There are a few common signs that your employer may not be doing the right thing:

• You're not given a proper payslip or employment contract.
• You're paid in cash with no clear breakdown of hours or deductions.
• You’re asked to work unpaid "trial" shifts beyond what’s reasonable.
• Your hours or pay rates keep changing without explanation.
• You're discouraged from asking questions about pay, breaks, or entitlements.

Know what you're entitled to

To check if you're being paid correctly:

• Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator (fairwork.gov.au) to check the minimum wage and penalty rates for your job.
• Log into MyGov to view your superannuation payments and ensure your employer is contributing at least 12% of your ordinary earnings.

What if you’re denied breaks or back pay?

Under the National Employment Standards, most workers are entitled to rest and meal breaks depending on the hours worked. If you're not getting them, or if you're being intimidated when asking for your entitlements, you have legal options:

• Document your hours, breaks, and pay.
• Raise concerns in writing to your employer or HR.
• Seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman or an experienced employment lawyer.

What if your employer is bankrupt?

If your employer is in liquidation, under administration or deregistered, you may still be able to recover unpaid wages and entitlements through the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) scheme. This government program helps eligible employees recover unpaid wages, annual leave, and redundancy pay.

Afraid to speak up?

Many young workers worry about the consequences of raising issues with their employer. But remember, it is unlawful for an employer to threaten, demote or dismiss you for asserting your legal rights.

If you're unsure about your pay or workplace rights, contact Kells for trusted legal advice. We're here to help you stand up for what you're entitled to.

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