Vic gym faces extra penalty in Aust first

In an Australian first, a company could receive an even greater penalty for ignoring a Fair Work Commission order to compensate a young employee who was unfairly sacked.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has brought the action against a gym in Melbourne's west and its sole director, after they failed to pay $2200 compensation to a 24-year-old receptionist for unfair dismissal.

The employee contacted the Fair Work Ombudsman after the compensation was not paid and several more notices requesting the company to comply were ignored.

"Our inspectors made extensive efforts to engage with this business to try to resolve the matter, but were not able to secure any co-operation," said Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James.

As well as an order to pay the compensation, the company faces a maximum penalty of $51,000 for its refusal to pay, while the director faces a fine up to $10,200.

A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit Court on September 19.