It’s vital that as an employer you are aware of your legal obligations to your employees and this includes knowing their correct pay entitlements. It’s important then that you aware that from July 1, 2015 there has been an increase to the national minimum award wage of 2.5%.
This award increase applies to all employees from the first full pay period starting on, or after, July 1.
For employees on minimum wage this increase will see their base wage rise to $656.90 per work, or $17.29 per hour. This weekly rate is based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week. The 2.5% increase equates to $16.00 per week, or $0.42 per hour, which is a modest increase designed to keep pace with the cost of living.
The increase applies to all employees who are paid under the national minimum wage award, or through a relevant registered agreement. The increase also applies to all junior employees, apprentices and employees suffering from a disability.
As well as this the increase also affects allowances under modern awards that are calculated on the award wage rates.
If your workplace employs any employees under the national minimum wage award it is essential you review your current pay structure to ensure that it is reflecting this increase to the award.
The Australian Government Fair Work Ombudsman website contains a range of information on the national minimum award wage, as well as other award wages, so is worth a visit if you are unsure of how much you should be paying your employees.