Security firms flouting laws

SECURITY industry employers are regularly flouting workplace laws, according to a national audit that found nearly one in two security bosses was not complying with the Fair Work Act.

The Fair Work Ombudsman's audit of 256 employers found 60 had underpaid staff, while 66 breached rules over pay slips and record keeping.

In Victoria, half of the 26 companies audited had breached workplace laws, with the Ombudsman focusing on firms that provided crowd control and mobile patrol services.

SECURITY industry employers are regularly flouting workplace laws, according to a national audit that found nearly one in two security bosses was not complying with the Fair Work Act.

The Fair Work Ombudsman's audit of 256 employers found 60 had underpaid staff, while 66 breached rules over pay slips and record keeping.

In Victoria, half of the 26 companies audited had breached workplace laws, with the Ombudsman focusing on firms that provided crowd control and mobile patrol services.

Ombudsman executive director Michael Campbell said the results were disturbing. He said the Ombudsman would seek to recover about $453,000 for 652 workers who were underpaid across Australia.

The security industry has a poor reputation, with high staff turnover, low pay and difficult working conditions.

Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union state secretary Jess Walsh welcomed the Ombudsman's report and said the results were ''the tip of the iceberg''. ''Our members have been concerned about dodgy contractors in the industry for a long time,'' she said.

Ms Walsh said security guards were often paid a flat rate that did not provide for penalties and allowances to which they were entitled.

She said standards had risen among the big four employers in the industry after an agreement with the union.

But among medium-sized and smaller contractors the problems were widespread.
Mr Campbell said employer groups, unions and large companies needed to help change behaviour in the industry. He said it was ''disappointing to find just 51 per cent of employers meeting their lawful obligations".