General Retail Industry Award 2010 – 20 year old employees to receive full adult wage rate.
On 21 March 2014, the Fair Work Commission issued a decision to remove the 90% of adult wage rate for 20 year old employees and transition them to a full adult wage rate.
The bench decided based on the evidence submitted that there was little difference in the duties and responsibilities assigned to 20 and 21 year old retail employees or in the level of supervision required.
Transitional arrangements will apply.
20 years old retail employees will now be entitled to 95% of the adult wage rate from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2014; and
100% of the adult rate will apply from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2015.
There is no doubt that this decision will have an immediate impact on some retailers and it also raises concerns of further changes in the future to junior rates for employees under 20 years who may claim that they are entitled to adult rates based on their responsibilities.
If you are unsure if this Award applies to you, get in touch with Workplace Partners on 1300 116 400 or [email protected]