The former operator of a Melbourne restaurant is facing allegations it underpaid a migrant employee almost $70,000 in less than two years and provided false records to Fair Work inspectors during their investigation.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is taking legal action against China Bar Buffet (Epping) Pty Ltd, which owns the China Bar Signature restaurant and China Bar Express fast food outlet in Epping.

The FWO is also taking action against the company’s sole director, Siak Kong Chi, and bookkeeper, Ying Lee, of the China Bar Group, alleging they were involved in some of the company’s alleged breaches of workplace laws.

A Melbourne restaurant faces allegations it underpaid a worker nearly $70,000. Credit:Tanya Lake

It is alleged that China Bar Buffet (Epping) Pty Ltd underpaid a Chinese worker, who was in Australia on a spousal visa, $69,321 between February 2015 and December 2016.