The Fair Work Ombudsman is writing to almost 3000 retailers across Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory as part of a new campaign.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is promoting the free, specialised tools and resources available for retailers to help them comply with their obligations under workplace laws.

The webpage includes information about the General Retail Industry Award 2010 and a link to the PayCheck Plus tool, which employers can use to calculate correct rates of pay for staff, including minimum hourly rates and penalty rates.

There are also links to record-keeping and pay slip templates, best practice guides, fact sheets, and an educational video for employers.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the retail sector has been selected for attention because it employs a large number of workers and generates a significant number of employee complaints to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

“This is a great opportunity for retailers in WA, SA, and the NT to ensure they are fully aware of their obligations under workplace laws,” James said.

“We particularly want to ensure that small business operators, who are often not supported by an in-house human resources and payroll team, are aware of the free resources we have available to assist them to comply with their obligations as easily as possible.”

As part of the campaign, the Fair Work Ombudsman will also randomly select about 300 retailers in metropolitan and regional locations for audit early next year, with a focus on retailers located in shopping centres and on retail strips.

Retailers can use a self-audit tool available at the campaign webpage to ensure they are compliant ahead of the audits.

Fair Work Inspectors have conducted educational visits at shopping centres in Adelaide and Perth over the past fortnight to inform retailers about the campaign.