The Fair Work Ombudsman has urged employers and employees to check the pay rates and entitlements that apply over Christmas and the New Year.

Many businesses continue to trade over Christmas and New Year and staff working over these holidays will be entitled to applicable penalty rates.

Natalie James, Fair Work Ombudsman, said it’s important for employers and employees alike to be aware of workplace rights and obligations.

In most cases, the Fair Work Ombudsman finds that underpayment of penalty rates is the result of employers failing to understand their obligations.

“This can result in hefty bills for back-payment of wages that they were not budgeting for,” James says, and encouraged employers to find out penalties and leave arrangements should they be closing down over the holidays.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has updated the public holidays section of its website with a list of holidays in each state and territory and information about pay rates for employees working on these days.

The website also has advice on how to request or decline work on public holidays, what employers need to pay on public holidays that fall during annual leave, shutting down a workplace over Christmas and New Year and other frequently asked questions.

“We’ve updated our website to help employers and workers understand and comply with their rights and obligations with a minimum of stress this festive season,” James said.