The Fair Work Ombudsman is reminding business owners that the national minimum wage has increased to $20.33 per hour (up from $19.84) or $772.60 per week (up from $753.80). The increase, which came into effect on 1 July, comes on the back of a Fair Work Commission ruling to increase the national minimum wage by 2.5 per cent following its Annual Wage Review, with the following exceptions:
- Wages in the Retail Award, which will increase from 1 September 2021.
- wages in 21 other awards in which the Fair Work Commission deemed there were exceptional circumstances will increase from 1 November 2021.
Employees covered by awards will also have base rates increased by 2.5 per cent, however, these increases to award wages begin on different dates for different groups of awards.
Casual employees that the national minimum wage applies to must receive a minimum of $25.41 per hour, which includes their 25 per cent casual loading.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker expects businesses will ensure that all their employees are paid at least the relevant minimum wage, in line with the Fair Work Commission’s decision.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman has free online tools available to help employers comply with their workplace obligations, which have been updated to reflect the new pay rates,” Parker said. “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.
“We encourage workers to use the Pay and Conditions Tool to check their rates of pay,” Parker added. “If workers are unsure which award applies to them, they can use our Find my award tool. If employers and employees have any queries or concerns about pay rates, they can contact the Fair Work Ombdusman for free advice and assistance.”
