The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is reminding employers that the national minimum wage has increased today to $19.84 per hour (up from $19.49), or $753.80 per week (up from $740.80).
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) announced a 1.75 per cent increase to the national minimum wage, following its . This increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after today.
Employees covered by awards will also have base rates increased by 1.75 per cent, however, these increases to award wages begin on three different dates for different groups of awards:
- Group one awards such as Frontline Heath Care & Social Assistance Workers; Teachers and Child Care; and other Essential Services increase from today (1 July 2020);
- Group two awards such as Construction; Manufacturing and many other industries increase from 1 November 2020;
- Group three awards such as Accommodation and Food Services; Arts and Recreation Services; Aviation; Retail and Tourism increase from 1 February 2021.
A list of all awards by group can be found at .
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said workplaces are expected to ensure 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.”
“We urge all businesses to use our to check the lawful minimum rates they need to pay their staff, or to contact us directly for free assistance,” Ms Parker said.
“We encourage workers to use the to check their rates of pay – and call us if they have any concerns. If workers are unsure which award applies to them, they can use the tool. For the latest workplace information, they can to what’s most relevant to them.”
The new minimum wages will apply to any work an employee performs while they’re in the JobKeeper scheme, if they get their pay rate from an award or the national minimum wage. See on our webpage.
The enforces compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009, related legislation, awards and and helps employers and employees by providing advice and education on pay rates and workplace conditions. The is the independent national workplace relations tribunal. It is responsible for maintaining a safety net of minimum wages and employment conditions, as well as a range of other workplace functions and regulation.
