Wage rises roll out

The minimum wage rate increases that will roll out in 2021 will impose significant costs with no apparent upside in productivity gains, according to the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).

Chief executive Kim Campbell says employers are looking at a 27 per cent increase in the minimum wage over a four-year period, including the current rate of $16.50 (increased from $15.75 an hour last April).

The scheduled increases are – April 1 this year, $16.50 to $17.70; April 1 2020, $17.70 to $18.90; April 1 2021, $18.90 to $20.