Wages increases come into effect

South West employers who are sole traders or partnerships now need to ensure their staff’s pay rates are at or above the new minimum established by the recent State Wage Case.

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission granted a 3.4 per cent increase to the State minimum and award wage rate, increasing the weekly minimum wage by $20.60 to $627.70 per week from the first pay period on or after July 1, 2012.

Department of Commerce regional inspector and education officer Brian Ravenscroft said that employers often overlooked the Stage Wage Case increase, which they are required to pay under State employment law.

“It is important for employers to understand that they must pay all their employees at or above the new minimum rates,” Mr Ravenscroft said.

“Every year I come across South West employers that have either forgotten or were unaware of the requirement to incorporate the pay increase.

“Employers who underpay their employees risk creating an unexpected wage debt, which sometimes amounts to thousands of dollars.”

Mr Ravenscroft urged all business owners who are sole traders and partnerships to contact Wageline on 1300 655 266 to find out the minimum rates.