Minimum Wage Update

10 Nov 2021

minimum wage update

Each year, the Fair Work Commission (“FWC”) reviews the National Minimum Wage and modern award minimum wages.

As of 1 July 2021, the National Minimum Wage (for employees not covered by an award or registered agreement) is $20.33 per hour or $772.60 per week.

In recognition that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been consistent across all sectors of the economy, the FWC determined that modern award increases will be rolled out in three stages:
 

  1. Minimum wages in most modern awards increased from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2021.

  2. The increase for the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (Cth) commenced from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2021.

  3. Minimum wages in 21 remaining awards, in industry sectors which are still adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, increased from the first full pay period on or after 1 November 2021.

The increase to the WA minimum wage and all pay rates in WA awards took effect from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2021. The WA minimum wage for adult employees (21 and over) increased to $20.50 per hour or $779.00 per week. These increases only apply to employers and employees in the state industrial relations system.

All employers should promptly review their rates to ensure that they are equal to or above the applicable minimum wage rates.

Employers who pay their employees above the minimum wage rates may be able to absorb the increases without making any changes.

Please contact Janine Speirs should you require any assistance with meeting your minimum wage compliance obligations.
 
 
For further information or assistance contact Murfett Legal on +61 8 9388 3100.
 
Note: The above is a summary for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive or constitute legal advice. You should seek formal legal or other professional advice in relation to your particular circumstances before relying on the content of this article.
 
Author:      Murfett Legal 
Email:        [email protected]
 
 
Murfett Legal is a leading law firm in WA, providing services in litigation, corporate and commercial, employment and workplace relations, insolvency, debt collection, business restructuring, Wills & estates, property, leasing, settlements, liquor licensing and intellectual property.

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