The Expert Panel of the Fair Work Commission has handed down its Annual Wage Review 2019-20 Decision.

Key elements of the decision include:

• Award minimum wages and the National Minimum Wage will be increased by 1.75 per cent.
• The National Minimum Wage will be increased to $753.80 per week or $19.84 per hour, operative from the first full pay period that starts on or after 1 July 2020.
• The minimum wage increase is operative on different dates for different awards, as follows:
  • Group 1: For awards covering frontline health care, social assistance, childcare, teachers and other essential services, the minimum wage increase is operative from the first full pay period that starts on or after 1 July 2020;
  • Group 2: For awards covering industry sectors adversely impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, but not to the same extent as the Group 3 sectors, the minimum wage increase is operative from the first full pay period that starts on or after 1 November 2020; and
  • Group 3: For awards covering the industry sectors which have been most adversely affected by the Pandemic (i.e. Accommodation and food services; Arts and recreation services; Aviation; Retail trade; and Tourism), the minimum wage increase is operative from the first full pay period that starts on or after 1 February 2021.
• Junior, apprentice and trainee wage rates will be adjusted proportionately.
• Wage related allowances and expense related allowances will be increased in accordance with the usual formulas.

If you would like more information about the rates that apply to the awards in your business, please contact Ai Group’s Workplace Advice Service on 1300 55 66 77.

Alternatively, if you would like advice about payroll compliance or award coverage reviews, please contact your local employment, workplace and industrial lawyer in Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Wollongong, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, or contact Ai Group Workplace Lawyers here.