The Fair Work Commission’s has announced its seventh annual wage review under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).   Australia’s minimum wage workers are now entitled to be paid $672.70 (this is an increase of $15.80) a week, or $17.70 per hour.

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What you will need to consider as a SME is how this decision will impact on my business?

Tip 1. - If you are paying the minimum wage under an Award, you will need to ensure that you increase wages by 2.4%.

Tip 2 – Review the allowances under the award to ensure you are aware of any changes such as first aid or leading hand as these may be increased at the same time.

The wage increase impacts on one in five workers whose  workplace who are currently covered under a Modern Award..

An Award sets out minimum rates of pay and working conditions, and as a business it is a good idea to be familiar with the Award you are covered under and the particular clauses which may impact on your employees.

Another factor you should consider, if you are paying an Award based employee a salary or have an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, now is a good time to reconcile this amount to ensure that employee is no worse off under conditions.

The 2.4% increase to minimum wages will apply from the first fully pay period starting on or after 1 July 2016.  So if you have missed the increase in the first pay run of the new financial year, please be aware and ensure that you back pay your employee’s so you are compliant with the new minimum wage.

If you need any help, please give us a call on 1300 872 566

Author Contribution  - Jeanetta Munro