As an employer it is important that you stay up to date with the changes that effect your employee wages and work conditions. There have been several announcements of late that will see significant changes to workplaces in the coming weeks, inclusive of an increase to the national minimum wage.
Changes come in response to the FWC Annual Wage Review 2022 -2023 and amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009. These will see modifications to the conditions surrounding unpaid parental leave requests and flexible working arrangements, a substantial wage increase to the SCHADS Award, a superannuation increase and (the previously mentioned) increase to the national minimum wage.
Significant Upcoming Changes
6 June
- As a result of the recent amendments to the Fair Work Act, 2009, employers will have increased obligations to accommodate employee requests for flexible working arrangements.
- New requirements for responding to requests from employees to extend unpaid parental leave.
30 June
- 15% award wage increase for the Aged Care sector, this increase applies to eligible employees covered by the Aged Care Award; Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award; and Nurses Award.
1 July
- National Minimum Wage Increase – The Fair Work Commission have announced the findings of the Annual Wage Review for 2022-2023. This will see the national minimum wage increased by 5.75% to $882.80 per week, or $23.23 per hour. This increase will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2023.
- Paid Parental Leave scheme update – partnered couples will be able to claim up to 20 weeks leave between them, parents who are single at the time of their claim can access the full 20 weeks. These changes affect employees whose baby is born or placed in their care on or after 1 July, 2023.
- Superannuation will increase from 10.5% to 11%.
We urge employers to reach out should you have any questions about the above changes or require help in actioning such. Employers are urged to review employee wages in response to the wage increases, as it will see some employees currently paid at the national minimum award pay rate receive an increase of 5.75%.
Businesses need to have processes in place that comply with current and evolving legislation. We know that interpreting and navigating these can be a time consuming and strenuous task. The AHR Team can help support you and your business, making this process simple and efficient. Please call us today on 1800 577 515 and speak to us about your HR needs, concerns, or queries.
