An estimated 700,000 Australian workers will receive cuts to their take-home pay as the third round of penalty rate reductions start July 1.
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The Fair Work Ombudsman reminded businesses changes to penalty rates in the hospitality, pharmacy, fast food and retail industries have come into effect.
The ombudsman also reminded employers the national minimum wage has increased to $19.49 per hour (up from $18.93), or $740.80 per week (up from $719.20).
Owner of the Deli on Kinghorne Tonya Hughes said the cuts made it easier for small business but the increase in minimum wage negated that.
"What they give with one hand they take away with the other," Ms Hughes said.
"While the cuts are beneficial to small business the increase in the award means there won't be much difference."
SDA union secretary Gerard Dwyer said the reduced rates would make life harder for workers who already struggled to make ends meet.
"On July 1, retail and fast food workers will again be hit with a massive, unfair cut to their take home pay as Sunday penalty rates are cut for the third time," Mr Dwyer said.
"There is no doubt this will hurt family budgets right across the country as workers struggle to meet the rising costs of rent, petrol, groceries and utility bills."
Ms Hughes said it was hard to find good reliable staff.
"I put in an add for a qualified chef before Christmas last year and only received two responses," she said.
The cafe owner said one candidate didn't show up and the other, after a trial period, said the job wasn't for them.
"We encourage workers who receive award wages, such as juniors, apprentices and trainees, to visit our pay and conditions pool and familiarise yourself with your new rates of pay," fair work ombudsman Sandra Parker said.
"Any workers with concerns about their pay should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman."
Visit www.fairwork.gov.au for more information.