National Minimum Wage and Award Wage Increases
The Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission recently handed down the Annual Wage Review decision. As most will be aware, this is a decision handed down annually and applies to the National Minimum Wage and to Modern Award Minimum Wage rates.
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
A 5.2% increase has been applied to the National Minimum Wage from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2022.
The 5.2% increase to the national minimum wage equates to an increase from $772.60 per week to $812.60 per week (or $21.38 per hour).
INCREASES TO MODERN AWARD WAGE RATES
A 4.6% increase has been applied to all Modern Award wages from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2022 excluding the Aviation, Tourism and Hospitality sectors (for which increases will be effective from October 2022).
Note that there are some differences for Modern Awards based on the current pay rates. Modern Award wages above $869.60 per week will receive a 4.6% increase which equates to $40 or more per week depending on the employee’s classification. Modern Award wages under $869.60 per week will receive a minimum increase of $40 per week on the applicable rate.
The Fair Work Ombudsman will be updating the pay scales on the Fair Work website shortly (https://www.fairwork.gov.au/).
This increase does not apply to Enterprise Agreements. Be mindful however that the pay rates in an Enterprise Agreement cannot fall below the relevant Modern Award rates.
You’ll find the detailed decision at: https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/wage-reviews/2021-22/decisions/2022-fwcfb-3500-decision.pdf
As always, be sure to contact us if you require assistance in meeting your obligations as an employer.
Changes to SCHADS Award
Also from July, there are important changes to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award.
All employers with staff covered by this Award should familiarise themselves with the changes to ensure compliance. Click here to review the Fair Work update.
Superannuation Changes
From July, employers need to be aware that the Super Guarantee Charge increases from 10% to 10.5%.
Also from 1 July, the $450 per month income threshold will be removed, meaning that the super guarantee will be payable to eligible employees regardless of their monthly pay.
Check with your bookkeeper or accountant for further details, or check here for info relevant to the changes to the threshold.