North-West IT company operator taken to court over alleged underpayment
North-West IT company operator taken to court over alleged underpaymentHKJuly 6 2026 - 4:30amJuly 6 2026 - 4:30amThe Fair Work Ombudsman has begun legal action against the operator of a Devonport information. . .
North-West IT company operator taken to court over alleged underpaymentHKJuly 6 2026 - 4:30amJuly 6 2026 - 4:30amThe Fair Work Ombudsman has begun legal action against the operator of a Devonport information technology business for an alleged breach affecting a young worker. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our website& appThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaFacing court is Maurice Fredrick Hays, a sole trader who operates Hays Technologies Tasmania. A pile of cash. Image Shutterstock. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a 21-year-old worker employed by Mr Hays as a casual IT support worker from June to August 2025. A Fair Work Inspector issued a compliance notice to Mr Hays in January 2026 after forming a belief he had failed to pay the worker any wages for 135 hours of work performed. The Inspector formed a belief that the worker was entitled to be paid minimum wages plus a casual loading under the Miscellaneous Award 2020. The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Mr Hays, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with that notice, which required him to calculate and back-pay the worker's entitlements. It is alleged that the amount Mr Hays was required to pay to comply was $4089. Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests were not complied with. "Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees," Ms Booth said. "Employers should be aware that taking action to protect young workers is one of our top priorities. "Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance. "They can also contact their union if they are a member. "The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking a penalty against Mr Hays in court for his alleged failure to comply and that penalty could be up to $19,800. A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court on July 16. More from Business and FinanceAs it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.