FROM 1 JULY, MINIMUM WAGES ARE GOING UP BY 2.6%. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET READY.
The minimum wages for adults, juniors, trainees, apprentices, employees with a disability and piece rates will all increase. Many allowances in awards will also increase. For employees who aren’t covered by an award or agreement, the new national minimum wage will be $622.20 per week, or $16.37 per hour.
Please note if you’re covered by an award, the final rates of pay won’t be available until the Fair Work Commission issues final orders. Sign up to get an email when your new minimum wages are available.
Employers need to make sure that they pay their employees at least the minimum wage that applies to them from the first pay period starting on or after 1 July.
WHAT CAN I DO TO GET READY FOR 1 JULY?
- Know how to find the minimum wages – You can use Fair Work’s online pay calculator, PayCheck Plus, to find your employees minimum wages. To check your wage obligations in PayCheck Plus, you’ll need to:
- know your employees status (whether they’re full-time, part-time or casual)
- know your employee’s age (if they’re under 21)
- select the modern award and classification, including whether your employee is doing an apprenticeship or traineeship
- select the pre-modern award and classification (what would have applied before 1 January 2010)
- know whether your business employed staff before 27 March 2006
- watch the PayCheck Plus video for help.
- Keep up to date with changes in your modern award – Make sure you’ve signed up for email updates. If you select the modern award (or modern awards) that your business is covered by, Fair Work will send you an email when your 1 July minimum wages are available. (If you don’t select an award they’ll let you know when all the tools are up to date.)
- Check that your payroll systems are ready – Your payroll systems and staff should be preparing for the changes. They need to be aware that the new minimum wages apply from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2013.
- Use our pay tools – If you’re signed up for updates, Fair Work will let you know when you can find information about your employee’s new minimum wage entitlements. Once they email you you’ll be able to check the minimum wages that will apply from 1 July.
- Apply changes from the first pay period on or after 1 July – The new minimum wages start on the first day of the first pay period on or after 1 July. So if your businesses pay week is Wednesday to Tuesday, then you’ll need to pay your employees the new minimum wages for all the hours they work from Wednesday 3 July.
- Apply changes from the first pay period on or after 1 July – The new minimum wages start on the first day of the first pay period on or after 1 July. So if your businesses pay week is Wednesday to Tuesday, then you’ll need to pay your employees the new minimum wages for all the hours they work from Wednesday 3 July.
Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, a flourishing HR consulting business that sprouted in 2009 from Claire’s passionate belief that inspiring leaders and superstar employees are the key success factor to any business. With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multi-national organisations, as a Non-Executive Board Director, and a small business owner. Claire’s corporate career includes working with companies such as BHP, Westpac, Fonterra and Mayne Nickless.
