Discounted pay rates to be scrapped for junior workers

Reduced pay rates for young adults working in sectors such as fast food, pharmacy and retail have been scrapped by a workplace watchdog.

On Tuesday the Fair Work Commission said workers aged 18 to 20 should receive their full award wage.

Currently, wages for 18-year-olds in these sectors are 70 per cent of full award pay, rising to 80 per cent for 19-year-olds and 90 per cent when they turn 20.

Minors’ wages will still apply to minors.

Higher wages for junior workers will be phased in over a four-year period from December.

The commission said there would be no changes to the pay rates of workers aged 18-20 with less than six months of experience in their current workplace.

The watchdog added that the decision took into account factors such as labor market disadvantages for young people.