The Ombudsman is set to audit 200 businesses in Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven region in an effort to address persistent underpayment allegations from workers.

Fair Work Inspectors will be out and about targeting businesses over the next three months.

They will check employers are paying the correct minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances and loadings and providing appropriate meal breaks.

Compliance with record-keeping and pay-slip obligations will also be monitored. All businesses will be randomly selected.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said her agency was contacted by dozens of workers in the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven region each year alleging they have been underpaid.

This includes several underpayment allegations from apprentices and trainees.

Ms James also revealed that the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered a total of $54,600 for workers throughout the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven region during the 2015-16 financial year.

“It is important that we are proactive about checking employees are receiving their full lawful entitlements and improving compliance in the region,” Ms James said.

The campaign will focus on a range of industries, including retail, construction, cafes, restaurants, takeaway outlets, transport, postal and warehousing, accommodation and food services.

Ms James said her agency had a particular focus on assisting the most vulnerable workers, especially people who faced significant barriers to taking their own action.

“Being new to the workplace, young workers can be vulnerable if they don’t fully understand their rights or are reluctant to complain,’’ she said.

Ms James said one of the aims of the campaign was to ensure employers were aware of their workplace responsibilities and how the agency could assist them to access, understand and apply information to build a culture of compliance in their workplaces.

Key local employer groups, including councils and business associations have been enlisted to help the agency promote the campaign.

Inspectors will inform employers about the range of free tools and resources available to them on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website at www.fairwork.gov.au.

Online tools include calculators to determine correct wages and templates for time-and-wages records and pay slips.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit the website or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.