The Fair Work Commission’s recent decision to increase penalty rates for over 350,000 casual retail workers has come at a tough time for retailers. With sales relatively flat over the past few months and pressure from higher costs for rent and electricity, a 25% increase from 1 November will add extra financial pressure to retailers.
The increase, coming before Xmas, will make it harder for retailers to have the right number of staff serving when stores are at their busiest. This is a real catch 22, and may lead to a loss of sales via a lack of staff to serve.
Roger talks with 6PR’s Oliver Petersen on the challenge facing retailers, when this increase takes effect.
