30 Jun 2010 | 345 Views
From 1 July 2010, the transition to modern awards commence, the new minimum wage becomes effective, modern award rates reflecting the latest Minimum Wage case come into play, the high income threshold relevant to unfair dismissal actions changes, the high income award exclusion figure changes and some particular award provisions commence.
From 1 July 2010, the transition to modern awards commence, the new minimum wage becomes effective, modern award rates reflecting the latest Minimum Wage case come into play, the high income threshold relevant to unfair dismissal actions changes, the high income award exclusion figure changes and some particular award provisions commence.
These changes are noted below — with relevant WorkplaceInfo and other weblinks providing more detail.
Transition to modern awards
The phasing-in provisions apply to these modern award entitlements from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July:
- minimum wages
- casual and part-time loadings;
- Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday penalty rates
- evening and other penalty rates
-
shift allowances.
New minimum wage
The adult minimum wage increases by $26.12 to $569.90 (or $15.00 per hour) from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July.
Modern award rates
Minimum award rates in modern awards increase adult award rates by $26 from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July.
Identifying the relevant modern award comparison rates for the purpose of the phasing-in provisions will be relatively straightforward because the classifications are essentially the same in pre-modern award instruments and modern awards, but this is not always the case.
In some cases, classification structures will have been altered, so it’s important that in calculating any phase-in of increased rates, employers are comparing the correct classifications. The classifications applicable under the old awards must be carefully matched to the relevant classification under the modern award. The Fair Work Ombudsman has provided assistance in finding the correct
rate of pay.
See also:
High income threshold relevant to unfair dismissal
For dismissals occurring from 1 July, the applicable threshold determining whether a non-award employee can bring an unfair dismissal action is $113,800.
High income award exclusion figure
From 1 July, employees, whose conditions of employment are not covered by an otherwise applicable modern award because they have received ‘a guarantee of annual earnings’ from their employer, must be receiving earnings in excess of $113,800 to continue to be exempt from the relevant modern award.
Some particular award provisions (eg clerks award)
Modern awards should be individually checked to see whether a particular provision comes into effect on 1 July.
Some state awards (eg NSW Clerical and Administrative Employees (State) Award) had an exemption clause that excluded higher paid clerks from certain award conditions. From 1 July, in lieu of the exemption clause, employers are able to pay their employees who are covered by this award an annualised salary in satisfaction of any or all of the following entitlements:
- minimum weekly wages
- allowances
- overtime and penalty rates
-
annual leave loading.
An employer is required to advise the employee in writing of the annual salary that is payable and which of the provisions of the award will be satisfied by payment of the annual salary. The annual salary must not be less than the amount the employee would have received under the award entitlements, and must be reviewed annually to ensure the compensation is appropriate.