The national minimum wage has increased by $21.60 per week, marking a 3 per cent boost following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review in May.
The new rates are applicable from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2019.
The hourly rate is now $19.49 per hour (previously $18.93), marking an increase of 56 cents, with the weekly rate sitting at $740.80 (previously $719.20).
Certain penalty rates in the industry have also changed, with Sunday penalty rates for full-time and part-time hospitality workers dropping to 150 per cent loading. However, casual workers will maintain 175 per cent loading.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker has encouraged businesses to take note of the changes and said workplace compliance issues often stem from employers failing to update rates of pay.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of free tools available to help employers comply with their workplace obligations, which have been updated to reflect the new pay rates,” says Parker. “We urge all businesses to visit our pay and conditions tool to check the lawful minimum rates that they need to pay their staff, or to contact us directly for assistance.”
Parker also encouraged workers to educate themselves on the rate changes and said any employees with concerns about their pay should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
“Workers who receive award wages, such as juniors, apprentices and trainees [should] visit our pay and conditions tool and familiarise [themselves] with [the] new rates of pay. If you are unsure which award applies, use our find my award tool. Any workers with concerns about their pay should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.”
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