Changes to pay rates – Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010
On 1 December 2018, rates of pay under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award) increased.
Pay rates for certain streams under the SCHADS Award are increasing gradually until 2020, under the Equal Remuneration Order made by the Fair Work Commission in 2012.
Allowances are not affected and penalties and loadings also remain as set out in the Award.
Who does this affect?
Only minimum pay rates for the employees (including employees working on an on-hire basis) covered by the Social and Community Services and Crisis Accommodation streams under the SCHADS Award will increase.
Do I have to increase my employee’s pay rate?
If you already pay above award rates, you may not be required to increase wages, providing the rates paid are above the increased minimum rates.
If your staff are covered by an enterprise agreement, you must still ensure the base rates payable under that enterprise agreement are above the increased minimum award rates (otherwise the award rates will apply).
Often enterprise agreements and contracts will also stipulate a change of rates in line with any increase to minimum award rates, so it is important to check your agreements and contracts carefully.
When do the changes come into effect?
The increase will take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 December 2018.
How much is the increase?
Different increases will apply to different businesses and employees. This is because the increase is calculated by reference to the pre-modern award applicable to your business and employees.
If you think you may have employees covered by the Social and Community Services or Crisis Accommodation Streams under the SCHADS Award, please contact the advice team on 1300 487 906 for further information and assistance.
