On 2 August 2021, the Fair Work Commission approved the following amendments to the Restaurant Industry Award 2020:
- A simplified classification level system;
- An ability to agree with senior employees to avoid paying penalty rates, overtime and providing meal breaks, for up to 57 hours of work a week, if they are paid a rate higher than 170% above the Award rate ; and
- The ability for employers to pay allowances via a “rolled-up” hourly rate rather than for each instance they are accrued (a “Substitute Allowance”).
The changes were made following an application made by the Minister to assist industries most affected by COVID-19. The changes are optional for business to adopt and are temporary amendments that will apply during the COVID-19 recovery period, from 11 August 2021 to 10 August 2022.
It is expected similar amendments will be made to the Hospitality Award in the coming weeks.
If you are covered by the Award and you require further details in relation to these new changes and how to implement these changes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Karen Arnold – Managing Director
Disclaimer: This article provides a summary only of the subject matter without the assumption of a duty of care by Effective Workplace Solutions. No person should rely on the contents as a substitute for legal of other professional advice.