The Fair Work Ombudsman has released a new app to tackle the problem of underpayment of young workers and migrant workers around the country.

The ‘Record My Hours’ app allows workers to record the time they spend at their workplace by using geofencing technology to register when they arrive at work and when they leave.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said the app is a valuable back-up for workers when employers failed to meet their record-keeping obligations.

“In the six months to December, two-thirds (64 per cent) of the cases we filed in court included alleged record-keeping or pay slip contraventions,” she said.

“For many years we have been encouraging workers, particularly young people, to keep a record of work hours. We know this is absolutely crucial for ensuring you receive the correct wages for all hours you have worked.

“Downloading this app won’t cost you a cent, but it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you are concerned that you are not being paid your correct entitlements,” James said.

James said most business owners do the right thing and when mistakes occur, many are genuine oversights and are rectified quickly without issue.

The Ombudsman, however, said they still see far too many examples of records that are either deliberately misleading or so sub-standard that it’s not even possible to conduct an audit and determine whether employees are being paid their correct entitlements.

“Metadata in the app will make it clear when the records have been manually edited and should any dispute arise the Fair Work Ombudsman will interrogate the app data and the employer’s own records,” James said.

The Record My Hours app is available for download from iTunes or Google Play stores.

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