Retail Award 2020 - free pay calculator 2026 | Expert Zoom

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the current pay rates under the General Retail Industry Award 2020?

  The General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004) sets minimum pay rates for retail employees across Australia. Approximate 2025-26 rates range from AUD $24.10/hr for Level 1 (first 3 months) to AUD $31.47/hr for Level 6 / Supervisors. Penalty rates apply on Saturdays (125%), Sundays (200% permanent, 225% casual), and public holidays (225% permanent, 250% casual). Verify current rates at fairwork.gov.au.

• How much redundancy pay am I entitled to as a retail worker?

  Under the National Employment Standards (Fair Work Act 2009, Sch 4 s.119), genuine redundancy pay scales from 4 weeks (1 year of service) to 16 weeks (9 years), capped at 12 weeks for 10+ years. Small business employers (fewer than 15 employees) are exempt. The General Retail Industry Award 2020 does not provide enhanced redundancy above the NES minimum.

• How many days annual leave do retail workers get under the General Retail Industry Award?

  Full-time retail employees are entitled to 4 weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave per year under the NES (Fair Work Act 2009 s.87). Shiftworkers under the award are entitled to 5 weeks. Annual leave loading of 17.5% is payable on top of your base rate during leave periods under the General Retail Industry Award 2020.

• What is the notice period under the General Retail Industry Award 2020?

  The General Retail Industry Award 2020 applies the NES minimum notice scale (Fair Work Act 2009 s.117): 1 week for under 1 year of service, 2 weeks for 1-3 years, 3 weeks for 3-5 years, and 4 weeks for 5 or more years. Employees over 45 with at least 2 years of service receive an additional 1 week supplement.

• How much superannuation does my employer have to pay under the General Retail Industry Award?

  From 1 July 2025, employers must contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings as superannuation under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. Retail employees may choose their own super fund (Fair Work Act 2009 s.149A). The 2025-26 concessional contributions cap is $30,000 per year.

• Does the General Retail Industry Award 2020 provide casual loading?

  Yes. Casual employees under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 receive a 25% casual loading on top of their base hourly rate (NES s.67B). This compensates for not receiving paid leave, notice, and other entitlements available to permanent employees. The casual rate for Level 3 is approximately $34.43/hr in 2025-26.

• What is the Sunday penalty rate for retail workers?

  Under the General Retail Industry Award 2020, permanent (full-time and part-time) employees are entitled to 200% of their ordinary rate for work performed on Sundays. Casual employees working on Sundays receive 225% (including their casual loading). Public holiday rates are 225% for permanent and 250% for casual employees.

• What is the minimum wage under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 in 2025-26?

  The minimum rate under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 for Level 1 employees in their first 3 months is approximately AUD $24.10/hour in 2025-26, aligning with the National Minimum Wage effective from 1 July 2025. Higher classification levels receive higher rates up to $31.47/hr for Level 6 / Supervisors. Always verify at fairwork.gov.au.

• What is the long service leave entitlement for retail workers?

  Long service leave for retail workers is governed by state and territory legislation, not the Fair Work Act. Entitlements vary: Victoria and ACT require 7 years of service for 6.067 weeks leave; NSW, QLD, WA and Tasmania require 10 years for 8.667 weeks; South Australia and Northern Territory require 10 years for 13 weeks. Use the Long Service Leave tab in this calculator to check your state entitlement.

• Who does the General Retail Industry Award 2020 cover?

  The General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004) covers employees in the retail industry including shop assistants, checkout operators, department store workers, specialty retailers, and retail supervisors throughout Australia. It is a federal Modern Award made by the Fair Work Commission and applies in all states and territories.