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THE Fair Work Ombudsman has reminded employers about the increase in minimum wage entitlements from today.
The start of the financial year signals the new rate for a fulltime adult is now $17.29 an hour, or $656.90 a week.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says there are a number of online pay tools available, to check new pay rates across a range of industries.
"In our experience, a common cause of underpayment of wages is the failure by employers to pass on annual wage increases," James says.
"Our online tools and resources can assist employers to determine their applicable modern award, as well as classification and pay rates, including base pay rates, allowances, overtime and penalty rates.
"Our focus is on educating employers about their obligations and assisting them to put processes in place to ensure that any errors we find don't occur again."
James says the Commission also provides practical advice that is easy to access, understand and apply in support of encouraging compliance in Australian workplaces.
The majority of employers want to do the right thing by their employees and stay on top of workplace laws, she says.
Small businesses can now access a dedicated Small Business Helpline to receive priority service from Fair Work.
Visit www.fairwork.gov.au for more information.
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