2021 Changes to the Hair and Beauty Award

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Posted October 25, 2021

*Please note that all information is correct as of 26 October 2021.

In accordance with the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review 2020-21 Decision, the wage rates and some allowances in the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 have been varied.

This update was delayed due to “exceptional circumstances” as defined by the FWC, justifying a delay to the change for certain industries hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The key changes are:

• Award wage rates will be increased by 2.5 percent, effective from the first full pay period that starts on or after 1 November 2021.
• Junior, apprentice and trainee wage rates will be adjusted proportionately.
• Wage-related allowances and expense-related allowances will be increased in accordance with the usual formulas.

 

For example;

2nd Year Apprentice
(without any pre-apprenticeship completed + commenced on or after 1 January 2014) –
Base hourly rate = $14.20;
Saturday rate $19.89;
Public Holiday rate = $35.50

You can download the complete Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 rate card from the members area of the HABA website.

What is the operative date?

The increase in wage rates and allowances is operative from the first full pay period that starts on or after 1 November 2021.

Expense-related allowances

Expense-related allowances are marked in this advice as “TBA” (To Be Advised) as they are based off Consumer Price Index (CPI) data which is not yet available. HABA + our partners at Ai Group will issue updated advice that includes expense-related allowances, once this CPI data is available.

Can the increases be absorbed into over-award payments?

Yes. The increases are fully absorbable into over-award payments unless the employer agrees otherwise.

Does the wage increase apply to employees covered by an enterprise agreement?

For most employees, the answer to this question would be no. However, all employees covered by an enterprise agreement must be paid a base rate of pay no less than the base rate of pay under the relevant modern award, or the National Minimum Wage if they are an award-free employee.

 

HABA will continue to be your partner in pushing for changes to benefit salon owners at all levels of Government and in keeping you informed as these changes occur. That’s why it pays to be a HABA member. HABA is the only registered industry organisation with the Fair Work Commission, affording us the ability to go in and fight for salon owners’ best interests at all levels of government and ensuring that your voices are heard.

 

Do you require further advice?
For information or assistance relating to the application of the Fair Work Commission’s decision, please contact the Hair and Beauty Australia Workplace Advice Line on (02) 9221 9911, which is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm AEST or email on info@askhaba.com.au.