5 steps to check you are paying staff correctly
The TL;DR when using Fair Works award classification tools
Employment law in OZ is no joke
- ‘They’re madly checking their payrolls’: the ugly truth of Australia’s underpayment epidemic (3 Nov 2019, Guardian)
- Qantas, Bunnings and Super Retail Group among companies caught in underpayment scandal (1 Nov 2019, news.com.au)
- Super theft: Lessons we can all learn from the Woolworths pay scandal (31 Oct 2019, Canstar)
As an Industrial Relations enthusiast since 2011 and converted Tech HRIS compliance specialist since 2015, it scary to me that employers do not know where to start looking when employing their staff or auditing current practices.
Pro Tip: Start looking at which Modern Award covers your staff.
There are 5 simple steps to check you are paying your staff under the correct employment award.
Use the 5 step breakdown to assess each employee individually to identify if you have your staff classified correctly. Make this information clear in your position description and job title to the employee.
Take a look into my brain and become informed on navigating Fair Work. Become OZ employment compliant by subscribing to the premium service. It could avoid a BIG FINE! And some unsavoury press!
Disclaimer: This Substack email aims to increase reader knowledge and information provided does not constitute legal advice. Please seek legal and/or employment law specialist advice if you are unsure of your legal obligations.

