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Preparing Your Business for the Minimum Wage Increase

Writer's picture: Deepika SinghDeepika Singh


As a business owner or manager, staying informed about changes in employment regulations is crucial for ensuring compliance and maintaining a positive work environment. One such change on the horizon is the upcoming increase in minimum wage rates, set to take effect from 1 April 2024. Here's what you need to know and how you can prepare your business for these changes.


Understanding the Increase

Effective April 1, 2024, the minimum wage rates will see adjustments as follows:

  1. Adult Minimum Wage: Increasing from $22.70 to $23.15 per hour.

  2. Starting-out and Training Minimum Wage: Rising from $18.16 to $18.52 per hour.


It's important to note that these rates are before tax and any lawful deductions, such as PAYE tax, student loan repayment, or child support.


Steps to Prepare

  1. Inform Your Team: Begin by informing your employees who are currently on the minimum wage about the upcoming increase. Sending out a letter or email detailing the change and its effective date will keep everyone informed and help avoid any confusion.

  2. Check Payroll Systems and Processes: Ensure that your payroll provider, accountant, lawyer, HR, or finance teams are prepared to implement the new rates. Whether your payroll system is manual or computer-based, verify that the necessary adjustments will be made seamlessly.

  3. Review Employment Contracts: Take this opportunity to review all employment agreements and ensure they are up to date. If any agreements are not current or if your employees do not have one, consider discussing and updating the contract with any agreed-upon terms and conditions.

  4. Consider Pay Relativity: Assess how the wage increase may impact internal pay relativity within your organization. Employees on higher wages may expect adjustments to maintain relative differences. Additionally, benchmark your pay rates against others in your industry or sector to ensure competitiveness.

  5. Update Business Budget: Incorporate the expected increased costs into your business budget forecasts for the short and medium term. This proactive approach will help you plan for and manage higher wage and holiday pay liabilities effectively.

  6. Upskill on Minimum Wage Obligations: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the details surrounding minimum wage obligations. Understand that it applies to all hours worked unless otherwise agreed upon in the employment contract. Additionally, be aware of situations where the minimum wage may not apply, such as employees under 16 years of age or those with specific exemption permits.


Conclusion

Being proactive in preparing for the upcoming minimum wage increase will not only ensure compliance with legal requirements but also demonstrate your commitment to fair and equitable employment practices. By informing your team, reviewing contracts, and updating your processes, you can navigate these changes smoothly and continue to foster a positive workplace environment for your employees.

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