The Southland Muffin Break store has been fined $10,000 after being convicted of over 360 breaches of the child employment laws.

Rianshi Pty Ltd, trading as Muffin Break (Southland), pleaded guilty to employing three children under 15 without a permit on 111 occasions.

It also employed the children for longer than the promulgated number of hours and failed to ensure supervision and sufficient break time for the children.

The offences took place between March 31 and October 20, 2022.

Wage Inspectorate Victoria, the state’s child employment regulator, began investigating the company after receiving a report on the illegal employment.

In sentencing, his Honour Magistrate Thomas stressed that work must not negatively affect a child’s wellbeing or impact their schooling.

The penalty would have been more severe if the company had not pleaded guilty in an early manner, he added.

“This Muffin Break store is the type of business where many kids get their first job. It’s crucial they provide a safe workplace for young people – it’s what the community expects and what the Wage Inspectorate requires,” said Lily Dekic, acting commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria.