The Fair Work Commission has announced that the national minimum wage has increased from $19.84 per hour to $20.33 per hour or $772.60 per week following the findings of the Annual Wage Review.
The 2.5 per cent increase to the national minimum wage applies to the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2021, with employees covered by awards to have their base rates increased by 2.5 per cent.
This increase means casual employees must receive a minimum of $25.41 per hour including their 25 per cent casual loading.
From 1 July, the superannuation guarantee is also increased to 10 per cent for eligible employees.
However, the 2.5 per cent increase for some awards will be implemented at a later date. This includes wages in the Retail Award, applied after 1 September, and 1 November for many other awards including:
- Amusement, Events and Recreation Award
- Hospitality Award
- Live Performance Award
- Racing Clubs Events Award
- Restaurant Award
- Sporting Organisations Award
- Travelling Shows Award
- Wine award
The full list of 21 awards with a minimum wage increase from 1 November can be found in the Annual Wage Review 2021. The Fair Work Commission also has an accessible Find My Award tool if you are uncertain which award applies to you and your business operations.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker outlines that it is the responsibility of the workplace to ensure all employees are receiving at least the minimum wage using the Pay and Conditions Tool.
“We urge all businesses to use our Pay and Conditions Tool to check the lawful minimum rates they need to pay their staff, or to contact us directly for free assistance,” Parker said.
“If employers and employees have any queries or concerns about pay rates, they can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance.”
Photo: Konstantin Evdokimov
