As part of its Modern Award Review, the Fair Work Commission has changed how juniors are paid under the Retail Award.
The changes apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 May 2021.
What are the changes?
Starting from the first full pay period on or after 1 May 2021, junior pay rates only apply to junior employees classified in the Retail Award as:
- Level 1
- Level 2, or
- Level 3.
Trade qualified junior employees, and other junior employees working at Level 4 or higher, need to be paid the adult rate.
You can also read the Commission’s full decision and award determination.
Who is a Junior?
A junior is an employee under 21 years of age. Use our Pay Calculator to calculate junior pay rates.
Juniors get paid a percentage of the relevant adult pay rate unless the award, enterprise agreement or other registered agreement doesn’t have junior rates.
The percentages that apply are usually based on the employee’s age and increase on their next birthday.
Example: Junior pay rate increases
Carly is 17 years old and works in a shop. She’s entitled to 60% of the adult pay rate under her award. She turns 18 on 22 March. From 22 March she’s entitled to 70% of the adult pay rate.
Important Notice re Copyright:
The information above is produced by the Fair Work Ombudsman – ‘© Fair Work Ombudsman www.fairwork.gov.au‘.)
This information has been shared to help business owners and managers understand and comply with their legal obligations under Australian employment laws.
There is no connection, sponsorship or endorsement between BetterHR, BetterHR products &/or services and the Commonwealth of Australia (or any of its agencies, including the Fair Work Ombudsman).
