Breaks forbidden, food instead of pay: one third of young Australian workers exploited by employers, study shows

Study notes young people more likely to accept unfair demands and less likely to report exploitative conditions

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More than one-third of young workers are exploited by their employers, according to a new study, with many paid less than the minimum wage, forbidden to take entitled breaks, compelled to pay for work-related items, or given food and products instead of money.

Young people are seen as especially vulnerable to wage theft due to inexperience in the workplace and a lack of awareness of their rights. They are also more likely to be employed in insecure roles than experienced workers, raising fears of retaliation.

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