Junior Rates Abolished - A Four Year Transition

#award #awardupdates #foodindustry #junioremployees #juniorrates #payincrease #pharamacyindustry #retailindustry Apr 29, 2026

Beginning 1st December 2026 and phasing out over the period up until 1st July 2029, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) will increase rates of pay for employees aged 18 - 20 years old under three awards:

Fast Food Industry Award 2020
General Retail Industry Award 2020
Pharmacy Industry Award 2020

100% of the full adult rate of pay will be applicable to employees aged 18-20 who have 6 months experience with their current employer. By the 1st of July 2029, 18-year old employees will see a 30% increase in their rates, as they currently are only receiving 70% of the applicable award rate. The implementation of this change is set to benefit over 500,000 employees Australia wide, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data.

The six month experience prerequisite pushes employers to remain vigilant with tracking commencement dates, and to ensure they are compliant with the different rates for same-aged workers depending on their tenure.

If you are unsure how to navigate these changes in your workplace, or have any questions please get in touch with us here

Author: HR Officer (Employii)

Junior Rates Abolished - A Four Year Transition

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