BY BRIDGET GUNN

The employees at two fish and chip shops in Newcastle and Charlestown have been promised back pay totaling almost $40,000.

A total of 21 employees were out of pocket, and the period of underpayment spanned more than a year.

Fair Work inspectors audited the businesses last year after receiving requests for assistance from employees.

Tools to assist employers to comply with workplace laws are available at

www.fairwork.gov.au

.

Employers and workers can also call the Fair Work Infoline on

13 13 94

to obtain free advice and assistance.
Source: www.fairwork.gov.au