Vulnerable workers

This term generally refers to workers who, due to factors like language barriers, youth, disability or lack of education, may find it challenging to understand their employment rights or to speak up for themselves in the workplace. These groups are more susceptible to unfair treatment, underpayment or exploitation. It's important for employers and communities to recognise and support these workers to ensure they receive fair and equal treatment in line with their legal rights.

Protecting vulnerable workers

The Fair Work Ombudsman treats some groups as vulnerable, including young workers, visa holders and migrant workers, workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and workers with disability, and focuses compliance activity on industries where they work. Employers should explain pay and conditions clearly, give pay slips, keep accurate records, and never hold a worker's passport or ask them to pay back wages. Visa holders have the same workplace rights as other employees. For example, a backpacker on a working holiday visa must be paid at least the award rate for farm work.

Read our guide to visa holders and migrant workers.