PS Labour Cautions Employers of Impersonator
“My wife refused to give money and in return he said if he had a knife he would have chopper her and if he had a gun he would have shoot her,” Mr Nand said.
Tuesday 02 April 2024 | 11:29
Following a social media post regarding an individual claiming to be a labour officer, the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations is urging employers and public to seek verification first.
On March 25, (last Monday) a man entered Nand’s Seafood, Minimart and Restaurant in Tavua Town at 2:30pm impersonating to be a labour officer and demanded the owner’s wife to give money so that he can carry out the inspection of the shop.
Ajay Nand was shocked to receive his wife’s devasting call asking what to do.
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“My wife refused to give money and in return he said if he had a knife he would have chopper her and if he had a gun he would have shoot her,” Mr Nand said.
“My wife asked him to show his identification card but he refused.”
The Rakiraki father of two children claims that he immediately reported to Tavua Police Station seeking help, but the impersonator managed to run away.
“I have been operating business for ten years and this is the first time such incident has happened,” he said.
“I am kindly requesting the police to do something about this.”
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said she would follow up on this.
Ministry of Employment
The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations cautions employers and the public to beware of individuals posing as labour inspectors, occupational health and safety inspectors, labour officers or ministry staff.
Permanent secretary Maritino Nemani advised individuals to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a ministry staff by contacting the nearest Ministry of Employment office.
“All ministry compliance and enforcement officers are issued with staff and name cards for identification purposes,” Mr Nemani said.
Members of the public can ask for their identification card for verification.
“Furthermore, as part of the ministry’s cashless policy, all payments are being made using electronic fund transfer or internet banking to uphold transparency, accountability and prevent bribery or corruption risks among ministry officers,” he said.
Members of the public can contact the ministry’s director labour standards and compliance service, Atish Kumar on phone 9906 369 or email atish.kumar@mepir.gov.fj for any clarifications.
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