Changes to Modern Awards 1 January 2018.

In 2017, many Australian employers welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) decision to cut penalty rates for Sunday and public holiday rates in the retail and hospitality industries. Now, the FWC is making another wave of changes that Senior Employment Relations Adviser of Employsure Andrew Spiteri says is “yet another financial burden on industries running on thin margins.”

The various changes apply to the fast food, restaurant, retail, hospitality, hair and beauty, social and community care industries; amongst a total of 13 Modern Awards. The changes take effect from the start of the first full pay period starting on or after 1 January 2018.

Broadly, the changes provide part-time employees with greater flexibility of rosters and provide casuals the entitlement to overtime penalty rates – an entitlement not previously given to casual employees.

Under the updated provisions, some casuals are now entitled to overtime penalty rates for work they perform in excess of 38 hours per week.

Andrew encourages employers to start getting prepared. “It’s so important to be across these changes and check if the new rates apply to your business. Get the right advice to avoid paying the expensive price of getting it wrong.”

See below for the specific changes to each award and for any questions, please contact Employsure on 1300 651 415.

Awards that have changed:

• Fast Food Industry Award
• General Retail Industry Award
• Hair and Beauty Industry Award
• Hospitality Industry (General) Award
• Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award
• Pastoral Award
• Rail Industry Award
• Restaurant Industry Award
• Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award
• Registered and Licensed Clubs Award
• Wine Industry Award
• Alpine Resorts Award
• Horticulture Award