The Fair Work Commission recently announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages, making the new national minimum wage $753.80 per week or $19.84 per hour.
In response to the impacts of the pandemic, unlike previous years, the increase is being rolled out in stages. Award changes have been grouped into the three stages below. For anyone not covered by an Award or Agreement, the new minimum wage will be applicable from 1 July 2020.
Group 1 (least affected) from 1 July 2020
- Frontline Healthcare and Social Assistance Workers
- Teachers and Childcare
- Other essential services
Group 2 (moderately affected) from 1 November 2020
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Clerical
- A range of other industries
Group 3 (most affected) from 1 February 2021
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Arts and Recreation Services
- Retail
- Tourism
- Aviation
A full list of all awards and which group they fall into can be found here.
This is the perfect time to consider what these increases will mean for your business. We know business is tough for many of you at the moment. However, as a business owner, you know you need to be paying your staff correctly. Now is the time to review your wages and ensure you are a) paying your staff at (or above) the correct rate, and b) determining if there are more cost-effective ways to be employing or rostering your staff.
Australian employment laws and Awards are complex and, unfortunately, it is easy to get caught out if you do not stay on top of the entitlements you should be paying your employees. If you want to know if you are paying enough, our blog explaining the basics on how to break down a wage, is a great place to start.
If you need help working out which Award applies to your staff, determining if you are paying them correctly, or want to know if there are more cost-effective rostering methods, please contact Claire or Emma on 5331 1734 or admin@inspirehq.com.au.
Claire Huntington has over 15 years’ experience in senior and executive level human resource management and strategic leadership positions. Claire learnt HR under the wings of great mentors and through trial and error. She has a very practical hands-on approach to HR and management, and isn’t afraid to look outside the box. Claire is also mum to three school aged firecrackers and is an avid photographer in her spare time.
Disclaimer: The material contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It is not, nor is intended to be, legal advice. If you wish to act based on the content of this publication, we recommend that you seek professional advice.
