1 July 2023 wage increases
For employers, incorrectly calculating wages is not portrayed as a mistake, it’s “wage theft.” Beyond the reputational issues of getting it wrong, the Fair Work Commission backs it up with fines of $9,390 per breach for a corporation. In 2021-22 alone, the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered $532 million in unpaid wages recovered for over 384,000 workers.
In short, you need to get it right. It is critically important that all employers review their payroll systems and ensure they are applying the correct rates and Awards.
On 1 July 2023, award rates of pay and the National Minimum Wage increased by 5.75%.
The National Minimum Wage applies to workers not covered by an Award or registered agreement. From 1 July 2023, the National Minimum wage has increased to $23.23 per hour ($882.80 per week for a full time employee working a standard 38 hours week).
For casuals, the minimum wage including the 25% casual loading is a minimum of $29.04 per hour.
For workers under an Award, adult minimum award wages increase by 5.75% applied from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2023. Proportionate increases apply to junior workers, apprentice and supported wages.
In addition, the superannuation guarantee increased from 10.5% to 11% on 1 July 2023.
If the employment agreement with your workers states the employee is paid on a ‘total remuneration’ basis (base plus SG and any other allowances), then their take home pay might be reduced by 0.5%. That is, a greater percentage of their total remuneration will be directed to their superannuation fund. For employees paid a rate plus superannuation, then their take home pay will remain the same and the 0.5% increase will be added to their SG payments.
Read about other changes that came into effect on 1 July 2023
How can we help?
If you have any concerns about payroll, our bookkeeping team are here to help. Please contact us on (07) 3023 4800 or at mail@marshpartners.com.au.
You can find out more about working with Marsh & Partners here. As your Absolute.Account.Ability partner we’re on a mission to make your business life better. If you need high-level support for your business, get in touch with our specialists on 07 3023 4800 or at mail@marshpartners.com.au.
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