July 1, 2021
The Fair Work Ombudsman has reminded employers the national minimum wage has increased to $20.33 per hour (up from $19.84) or $772.60 per week (up from $753.80) from Thursday.
On June 16, the Fair Work Commission announced a 2.5 per cent increase to the national minimum wage following its Annual Wage Review.
The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after July 1.
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 $25.41 per hour including their 25 per cent casual loading.
Most award wages will increase from July 1, except:
- Wages in the Retail Award will increase from September 1
- Wages in 21 other awards where the Fair Work Commission deemed there were exceptional circumstances will increase from November 1.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said workplaces were expected to ensure all their employees were 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,” Mr 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.”
