JOBS AT RISK AFTER $17 MINIMUM WAGE RISE, RETAILERS WARN

RETAILERS says jobs are in danger after Fair Work Australia’s (FWA) decision today to increase the minimum wage by 2.9 per cent.

The retail industry was seeking an exemption to any award wage adjustments, but FWA ignored the request in its annual review of the minimum wage.

Workers on the minimum award wage will be entitled to a $17.10 per week rise from July 1, lifting the weekly pay to $606.40.

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) executive director Russell Zimmerman says the decision has put retail jobs in danger.

“The retail sector is already struggling to give flexible hours to those people who need them most, including part time hours and weekend work to fit around family and study commitments,” he says.

“Unemployment levels usually lead to increased consumer caution given the worry it causes to families, and today’s decision means many retail jobs are officially on the line.”

Unions slammed the increase as too small while the Federal Government called it “well balanced and moderate".