We strongly believe in fair and accurate wages for all employees. Read about the latest changes to the Support Employment Services Award here.
We strongly believe in fair and accurate wages for all employees. We welcome the Fair Work Commission changes to the Supported Employment Services Award 2020 (SES Award) in December 2022 as these changes are designed to bring positive improvements for our employees.
The changes came into effect on 1 July 2023. We are excited about the benefits they bring to our supported workforce. Feel free to share this Easy Read version with employees we support.
| Change | What it means | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| New classification and wage structure | Two new grades have been added, Grade A and Grade B, to the existing Grades 1-7. | For employees with different skill levels or limitations in certain tasks compared to those in Grades 1-7. |
| Revised descriptions for Grades 1-7 | Descriptions now include references to work levels found in other awards. | Clearer understanding of the different grades ensures employees have a more accurate understanding of their roles and responsibilities. |
| Removal of other wage assessment tools | All existing wage assessment tools will be removed from the Award, except for the Supported Wage System (SWS). | Streamline and unified process across the whole sector. Removing the use of assessment tools such as Greenacres and Skillsmaster. |
| New wage-setting methodology | The two-step process of grading and SWS assessment for determining employee wage as a percentage of the minimum wage corresponding to their grade. | Fair and comprehensive process ensuring appropriate compensation based on skills, qualifications, and job requirements. |
| Minimum rates | Grades A and B will have minimum rates per hour introduced gradually over a three-year period. | Fair and guaranteed minimum rates to address any wage disparities and recognise the value of employees in these grades. |
| Superannuation contributions | Increase from 10.5% to 11% from 1 July 2023. | Ensures a strong financial future for employees vital for retirement. |
| Dispute Resolution | “Rights at Work” clause will be amended. | Clearer process for employees to dispute their grading or SWS assessment outcome. |
Employees will undergo a two-step wage-setting process.
Step 1: Graded into one of the Grades (A, B, 1-7)
Step 2: Supported Wage System (SWS) assessment conducted by Endeavour Foundation and external assessors. Based on these assessments, employees will be entitled to a relevant percentage of the minimum wage for their grade.
We have until 30 June 2026 to complete SWS assessments for every employee we support unless they have already been assessed. SWS assessments will be completed by the Department of Social Services (DSS).
We look forward to receiving more detailed information from DSS regarding the timing of our employees’ wage assessments. Wage assessments will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis, with adjustments made accordingly.
Employees we support work at our social enterprises to:
