About us
The Fair Work Agency acts to protect workers, support fair competition and ensure employers comply with the law.
What we do
We enforce workers’ rights by helping employers comply with the law and taking action where they do not.
We protect workers by:
- enforcing the National Minimum Wage
- regulating employment agencies and businesses
- licensing labour suppliers to the agriculture and food sectors
- taking action against employers who commit serious labour exploitation or abuse
- taking steps to penalise employers who do not pay awards given to a worker in an employment tribunal or Acas settlement
We also provide guidance to help employers meet their legal responsibilities.
See the FWA enforcement statement for more information.
What we do not do
We do not handle all employment issues.
Contact Acas for:
- advice on employment rights
- help resolving a workplace dispute
- early conciliation
We do not:
- provide general HR advice
- deal with issues outside our enforcement remit
- replace employment tribunals
Who we are
We have legal powers to investigate employers and enforce workers’ rights.
We can:
- inspect and investigate employers
- require employers to put things right
- issue penalties and fines
- prosecute serious offences
Our priorities
From 2026 to 2027, our priorities are:
- a clearer, simpler system for workers and employers
- more visible and impactful enforcement
- operational and digital improvements
Corporate information
Access our information
Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.
Corporate information
Access our information
Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.