The Fair Work Ombudsman will audit up to 250 specialised food retailers in South Australia over the next four months as part of a new education and compliance campaign.

The campaign will focus on bakeries, poultry and smallgoods retailers, butchers, greengrocers and fruit and vegetable stores in suburban Adelaide and the regional centres of Mount Gambier, Port Pirie, Berri, Port Lincoln and Whyalla.

Fair Work inspectors will check employers are paying workers in line with minimum wage rates, penalty rates and minimum engagement hours, among other things.

Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says the industry was selected for proactive auditing following a rise in inquiries and complaints to the Fair Work Infoline.

“This campaign is an ideal opportunity for specialised food retailers to ensure they understand their obligations under workplace laws,” Mr Wilson says.

“We are committed to providing free education, assistance and advice to make it easier for employers to comply with workplace laws.

“If inspectors find minor or inadvertent contraventions, their preferred approach is to educate the employer and assist them to voluntarily rectify the issue.”

Employers or employees seeking information and advice about workplace laws should visit the Fair Work website or call the Fair Work Infoline.